Gian Piero Gasperini regrets conceding “some avoidable goals” against Manchester City, but maintains Atalanta “take everything positive” from the Champions League.
Ruslan Malinovskyi had put them in front at the Etihad from the penalty spot, but a Sergio Aguero brace turned it around before Raheem Sterling’s hat-trick.
Gian Piero Gasperini regrets conceding “some avoidable goals” against Manchester City, but maintains Atalanta “take everything positive” from the Champions League.
Ruslan Malinovskyi had put them in front at the Etihad from the penalty spot, but a Sergio Aguero brace turned it around before Raheem Sterling’s hat-trick.
“I am a little disappointed with the penalty. It would’ve been tough anyway, but we had started well, taken the lead and could’ve held on to that for a little longer,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia after a 5-1 defeat.
“Manchester City are strong and showed it, but we let our heads drop too quickly and the penalty was avoidable. When Manchester City have space to run into, they’re unstoppable.
“It was important that we kept pushing, we could’ve scored another couple of goals and it is all part of the growth process for this team.
“I had hoped to make the game last longer, as we conceded avoidable goals.”
This is Atalanta’s first ever Champions League campaign and they are yet to pick up a point, but were the first side to score against Manchester City in the competition this season.
There were over 2,800 Atalanta fans in Manchester and they never stopped singing throughout, as this club was in Serie B as recently as 2011.
“As I’ve always said, we take everything positive from this tournament and we will emerge together – from the club to players and fans – stronger, with more experience and knowledge.”