OGC Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze might be one of the best people to ask about the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinal duel between Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain. He is just coming off of a half-season loan with the Serie A side and he has experience in facing PSG over in Ligue 1 play. So, he knows just how Atalanta operates and also how to game plan against the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
In speaking to Le Parisien, Tameze talked about just what makes this Atalanta team special.
“Two things,” Tameze said. “The first is the big, talented individuals: Papu Gomez or Duván Zapata, even in the middle Remo Freuler. And then, of course, if the team turns out so well, it’s thanks to the coach’s foot. Gian Piero Gasperini is very good at making the most of each player’s potential. That’s what makes it work, that makes it defend and attack as well.”
He also touched on what it was like to play under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italian manager steered the team to a third place finish in Serie A this past season. Tameze is certainly a big fan of his managerial style.
“He’s unlike any coach I’ve had so far,” Tameze said. “He’s a pretty firm guy, with strong ideas. He’s very precise tactically, very precise in how he wants the team to defend or attack. He’s firm, shouts a lot on the edge of the pitch, whether it’s in a game or in practice. He gets what he wants from the players thanks to his good management.”
Tameze also provided his thoughts on how Atalanta will approach the tie.
“Against Paris, Atalanta will play without pressure,” Tameze said. “They won’t be going to close everything down, playing eleven behind. Whoever the opponent is, the team plays as usual, without fear, free because they know they will have chances to score.”
The tie is now just five days away.
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