The main narrative heading into Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atalanta continues to revolve around the notion that the Ligue 1 side may potentially be rusty and unprepared for the contest. PSG will have played in a mere two official matches over a five-month span by its showdown with Atalanta.
However, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is downplaying this ongoing narrative. Following Atalanta’s dominating 6-2 win against Brescia earlier this week, Gasperini spoke in his post-match press conference (via Football Italia) about why he believes PSG will be more than ready to take on one of Europe’s most in-form teams.
“I know PSG are playing two cup games in France before the Champions League,” Gasperini said. “I don’t know if it’s better to have 13 Serie A games like us or two competitive matches plus some friendlies.
“It’s like saying we play every three days and are therefore tired, something I don’t believe at all. Similarly, I don’t believe that PSG will be unprepared because they haven’t played.”
Gasperini and his side will soon have their sights set on PSG, but they still have to focus on finishing the Serie A season on a high note. They still have five games remaining on their schedule and a mere two-point lead over both Inter Milan and Lazio in the league standings.
Overall, Gasperini wants his team to remain focused in order to carry momentum into the quarterfinal tie.
“We are preparing for Paris Saint-Germain, but also want to fight it out to the end in Serie A,” Gasperini said. “I think the best way to be ready for August 12 is to keep playing Serie A games with the right mentality, intensity, and focus.”
Gasperini singled out two players in particular: Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. He praised the two and spoke about the mindset at hand to face such a dynamic attacking duo.
“I have not yet studied Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but they are two of the best players in the world,” Gasperini said. “There was a little excessive confidence when we picked Paris Saint-Germain, but we mustn’t forget this is a remarkable team!
“When you face teams of this level, you can examine their strengths, their weaknesses, but you mustn’t change your nature. What I remain certain of is that these games never end 0-0, so if you are to get a result, you have to score a goal.”
The tie is scheduled for Aug. 12, as the winner will move on to face either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig in the semifinals.
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