Milan, 19 Aug. (LaPresse) – “If there’s no enthusiasm, it’s best to call it a day, so there is some. I’ve found an environment that radiates it, one that’s very close-knit and with a great sense of belonging. I’ve got a few butterflies in my stomach.” So said Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the Conference League match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. “We’re on a journey; I’m pleased with the lads’ commitment, but we’re a team still finding our feet,” he added. Speaking about the opponents, Sarri warned: “We’re up against a tough side; it’s a tricky draw at a historically delicate time for Italian teams. The journey has only just begun and it will be a long one; we’re concerned that our opponents have far more matches under their belts.” The league season also kicks off this weekend, with Sassuolo up next. “Tomorrow’s match is an important one for me; we’ll start thinking about Sassuolo from 11.00 pm tomorrow evening,” he said. Charles De Ketelaere will still be missing against Hapoel. “At the moment, the lads who have been with us longer are in a better position. When a player of Charles’s technical calibre is missing, it’s always a blow. However, we have key players and we’re relying on them,” he said. As for the Scudetto race. “In Serie A, there’s one team above the rest (Inter, ed.) and then two or three others who can challenge them. We’re going our own way; we have plenty of room for improvement,” said Sarri. Finally, on the transfer market. “Romagnoli? It’s tactless to talk about players from other teams; what’s certain is that we have Giuntoli here, one of the most active and knowledgeable directors. I’m not worried,” he concluded.
Atalanta: Sarri set for his debut with La Dea: ‘I’ve got butterflies in my stomach’
Milan, 19 Aug. (LaPresse) – “If there’s no enthusiasm, it’s best to call it a day, so there is some. I’ve found an environment that radiates it, one that’s very close-knit and with a great sense of belonging. I’ve got a few butterflies in my stomach.” So said Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the Conference League match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. “We’re on a journey; I’m pleased with the lads’ commitment, but we’re a team still finding our feet,” he added. Speaking about the opponents, Sarri warned: “We’re up against a tough side; it’s a tricky draw at a historically delicate time for Italian teams. The journey has only just begun and it will be a long one; we’re concerned that our opponents have far more matches under their belts.” The league season also kicks off this weekend, with Sassuolo up next. “Tomorrow’s match is an important one for me; we’ll start thinking about Sassuolo from 11.00 pm tomorrow evening,” he said. Charles De Ketelaere will still be missing against Hapoel. “At the moment, the lads who have been with us longer are in a better position. When a player of Charles’s technical calibre is missing, it’s always a blow. However, we have key players and we’re relying on them,” he said. As for the Scudetto race. “In Serie A, there’s one team above the rest (Inter, ed.) and then two or three others who can challenge them. We’re going our own way; we have plenty of room for improvement,” said Sarri. Finally, on the transfer market. “Romagnoli? It’s tactless to talk about players from other teams; what’s certain is that we have Giuntoli here, one of the most active and knowledgeable directors. I’m not worried,” he concluded.