Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini hails Hansi Flick’s Barcelona project

Serie A side Atalanta take on Barcelona in the Champions League tomorrow and the game will determine where both sides finish in the competition.

While La Dea and the Catalans have pretty much sealed a spot in the next round, the game tomorrow will see two teams with a specific identity go against each other, especially when they have impressed a lot in the Champions League so far.

There seems to be mutual admiration between the managers Gian Piero Gasperini and Hansi Flick, even if Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is not really familiar with Gasperini and his methods.

The Italian spoke to Sky Italia ahead of the game and he was asked about Barcelona and what Flick is building at the Nou Camp.

He said: “All teams have weaknesses, but they are beautiful to watch. Flick has done an exceptional job, they have both talent and a team spirit. At the beginning they were not one of the most accredited teams, but they became so with work.”

Gasperini also spoke about Ademola Lookman’s injury issue and he revealed that the Nigerian had been carrying the problem for the last two weeks.

“He had been dragging this problem for two games, since a contusion against Napoli. He seemed to be recovering against Como, but in training he got worse. That’s the prognosis, let’s hope the absence is shorter than expected.”

Barcelona are currently second in the table, whereas Atalanta are at seventh. In case, La Dea win they could rise upto third in the table as there is a four-point gap between the two sides. 

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN