Ederson: ‘Atalanta have to be at 110% to qualify for the Champions League’

Atalanta midfielder Ederson believes that he and his teammates need to give 110% in every game if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and insists that he is not swayed by transfer rumours in the January window: ‘Atalanta is the only thing that matters’. 

The Dea midfielder joined his head coach Raffaele Palladino for the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Athletic Club. 

Atalanta sit in an impressive fifth place in the Champions League standings with 13 points from their first six games in the competition so far this season. They sit level on points with PSG and Manchester City in third and fourth respectively. 

With one point more than Inter (sixth), La Dea are currently the strongest-performing Italian side in Europe this season. 

Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Athletic Club is an opportunity to bounce back, though, following a disappointing 1-1 draw with struggling Pisa in Serie A over the weekend. 

“We want to do better in this game than we did against Pisa by trying to be more focused,” Ederson said during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s game against Athletic Club. 

Like head coach Rafaelle Palladino, Ederson was asked why Atalanta seem to struggle against smaller sides this season, an accusation that has also been pointed at Cristian Chivu and Inter. 

“I think there are teams that definitely try to give more in certain games. As the coach says, there are lots of tough matches, but we are also improving and trying to find the right spaces. That’s football, and we need to adapt.” 

The Brazilian shrugged off rumours that he could leave Atalanta during the January transfer window. 

“It’s nice (to have attracted transfer interest), because it means that I’ve been doing well. But Atalanta is the only thing that matters.” 

Giving a review of his personal season to date, Ederson said: “I had a difficult period, but I’m at my best now and I want to give everything for Atalanta.” 

And giving an opinion on new Atalanta signing Giacomo Raspadori, Ederson added: “He’s settling in very well and that’s not easy for everyone. He’s very strong and I hope he can bring a lot to this Atalanta side.” 

And when asked if he thinks that Atalanta can still qualify for the Champions League by finishing the Serie A season in the top four, Ederson said: “It’s difficult, but we still believe. 

“I think Atalanta deserves to be in the Champions League, but we definitely have to improve and avoid any drop-offs. We need to be at 110%.”