It is no secret that Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side is full of confidence. Since the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal draw, many of Atalanta’s players have spoken through the media about the team’s belief that they can defeat Paris Saint-Germain. While the Serie A side recognizes its status as underdogs for the contest, the players feel that an upset win is possible.
One Atalanta player is not only confident of his team’s chances but feels that they have an advantage over the reigning Ligue 1 champions. In speaking to the La Gazzetta dello Sport-owned magazine Sportweek (via Football Italia), Atalanta defender Robin Gosens went in-depth on the two key reasons for why his side will have the edge in the upcoming Champions League duel.
“We have a double advantage in this tie,” Gosens said. “The first is match fitness, because in Italy the season resumed and came to a conclusion, whereas that was not the case in France. Apart from the two Cup Finals, they haven’t played in four or five months.”
Gosens then explained his second reason, which may turn some heads within PSG.
“The second advantage is that we move as a team,” Gosens said. “PSG have many top players who can decide a game with a single individual move, but they are not a team unit.”
Gosens provided some slight insight on just how extensive the training sessions are under current manager Gasperini.
“The hard work we do during the week here is incredible,” Gosens said. “Honestly, I played regularly in Holland, but I sweat three times as much with Atalanta. If we don’t have a game during the week, we do strength exercises.”
Both teams sure are set for the much-anticipated fixture.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.