“We got IRRITATED with Celtic’s…” – Atalanta Manager Gasperini Speaks Up on How Celtic IRRITATED His Team to Get a Draw out of the Clash….

Gian Piero Gasperini: Celtic’s Defensive Setup ‘Irritated’ Atalanta in Champions League Draw

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was left frustrated after his team’s 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Champions League. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Atalanta failed to capitalize on their chances.

Celtic’s defensive performance was impressive, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and defenders Auston Trusty and Liam Scales standing out. Gasperini acknowledged Celtic’s defensive solidity but felt his team deserved more from the match.

“We dominated the match, created many opportunities, but lacked sharpness and perhaps a bit of luck too,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia. “When you don’t break the deadlock in a game like this, it all becomes more complicated.”

Gasperini’s frustration stemmed from Atalanta’s inability to convert their chances into goals. Mario Pasalic’s shot hit the crossbar, while Schmeichel made several crucial saves to deny the Italian side.

“Not conceding goals is a positive aspect, and maintaining defensive solidity is crucial,” Gasperini said. “However, the most damaging thing today is the fact we could not score, despite repeatedly getting into their penalty area.”

Gasperini’s comments highlighted Celtic’s impressive defensive display and Atalanta’s attacking shortcomings. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had urged his players to showcase their defensive capabilities, and they delivered.

The draw marked Atalanta’s third consecutive match in the Champions League without conceding a goal. However, Gasperini emphasized the importance of scoring goals in the competition.

“Personally, I would’ve preferred to win 3-2 rather than draw 0-0, because goals make the difference in the Champions League,” Gasperini said.

Atalanta’s profligacy was compounded by Celtic’s defensive setup. Gasperini admitted that his team became irritated as they struggled to break down Celtic’s defense.

“Perhaps we started to get irritated,” Gasperini said. “When you know that you had so many chances and didn’t make the most of them, you can be tempted to rush things. That made us hasty, and Celtic closed up even more.”

Gasperini also praised Celtic’s defensive strategy, noting that they defended deeper than he had previously seen.

“Honestly, I had never seen Celtic defend so deep before,” Gasperini said. “I took Retegui off because I needed fresh legs, and it is difficult at the moment to keep the strikers always on their toes with so many games. We needed to do something different.”

Celtic’s pragmatism paid off, as they secured a valuable point against a strong Atalanta side. Rodgers’ tactics were vindicated, and his team’s defensive performance will boost their confidence.

In contrast, Atalanta’s failure to score will raise concerns about their attacking potency. Gasperini’s team has now gone three Champions League matches without conceding a goal, but their inability to score may prove costly.

As the Champions League progresses, Atalanta will need to address their attacking shortcomings to achieve success. Gasperini’s team has shown promise, but their profligacy must be addressed.

The draw marked a missed opportunity for Atalanta to assert their dominance in the group. Instead, they find themselves in a tightly contested battle for qualification.

Celtic’s point, on the other hand, was a valuable one. Rodgers’ team has struggled in the Champions League, but their defensive performance against Atalanta will give them hope.

The match highlighted the fine margins between success and failure in the Champions League. Atalanta’s missed chances and Celtic’s defensive solidity ultimately decided the outcome.

Gasperini’s frustration was palpable, but he acknowledged Celtic’s quality.

“Celtic are a good team, and they defended well,” Gasperini said. “We couldn’t find the breakthrough, but we’ll keep working.”

As the Champions League continues, Atalanta and Celtic will face stiff competition. Their ability to adapt and improve will determine their fate.

Gasperini’s comments provided insight into Atalanta’s mindset. His team’s frustration was evident, but they remain committed to their goals.

The Champions League is renowned for its unpredictability, and Atalanta’s draw against Celtic exemplified this. The outcome could have been different, but Celtic’s defensive performance earned them a valuable point.

In the end, Gasperini’s irritation was tempered by his admiration for Celtic’s defensive display.

“Celtic did well to defend, and we couldn’t find the breakthrough,” Gasperini said. “We’ll learn from this and move forward.”

Atalanta’s journey in the Champions League continues, with Gasperini’s team seeking to overcome their attacking woes. Celtic, meanwhile, will build on their defensive solidity, hoping to replicate their performance in future matches.