Palladino on Atalanta DNA, Lookman message and wanting ‘battle for every ball’

Raffaele Palladino insists he ‘had other calls, but waited for Atalanta’ to get back on the bench, sends a message to Ademola Lookman, and wants ‘a team that battles for every ball.’

The coach was appointed last Tuesday and had a limited squad to work with during the break for international duty, so his presentation press conference was postponed until this evening.

He’s got a big debut coming up on Saturday against Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, in his hometown.

“I am very happy to be here with Atalanta, as it’s a great club and I will do all I can to fly the flag high. I want to thank the Percassi family, Stephen Pagliuca and Tony D’Amico for this big opportunity,” said Palladino.

“In my first meetings with the players, I tried to focus on the intensity and DNA of Atalanta. I tried to get them to rediscover that identity made up of sacrifice and grit, which always stood this side apart.

“We don’t have much time, but we must get the maximum results.”

Atalanta had a wildly successful nine years under Gian Piero Gasperini, who was a mentor to both Palladino and his predecessor Ivan Juric.

However, Juric struggled badly with just four wins, eight draws and three defeats between Serie A and the Champions League until his dismissal.

“I want to salute Juric, who I have a good rapport with from our time as players. I saw that he did good work on the physical fitness of the players, but it is true to say that I have my own ideas to bring to the table,” noted Palladino.

“The dogma of this club is to fight for every ball, so I want to see a team ready to go into battle. Atalanta do not deserve their current position in the table, but we’ve got to get back up.”

It has been noted that while Juric and Palladino both started out following Gasperini’s ideas, they branched out in slightly different directions.

“I am not a tactical fundamentalist, so I am open to different aspects. I want to stitch the right suit for Atalanta and I think this team is suited to the 3-4-2-1 formation. They already know it well, and have the right characteristics, so we just need to work on the details and improve.”

Has Palladino spoken directly to Gasperini about this new adventure?

“I haven’t had the opportunity. Gian Piero did something extraordinary along with the club, but we have to look forward now, as there is so much work to do. We need to get more bodies into the box, hoping that can lead to more goals.”

Among the problems suffered by Atalanta under both Gasperini and Juric was the rapport with Lookman, who had tried and failed to push for the exit in the summer.

How has the new coach tried to approach the Nigeria international and start afresh?

“I phoned all the players who were away on international duty and Ademola presented himself very well to me. I will evaluate his playing time based on what I see in his training sessions, just like all the others.”

As for Palladino, he was launched into Serie A at Monza and then oversaw Fiorentina for one season, so it is only his third club.

“I spent the last few months studying and growing as a coach. I received other calls too, but I waited for Atalanta. I didn’t hesitate to say yes to them, as we have the same objectives.

“I think this city deserves to have a team that battles for every ball, reflecting the spirit of the citizens of Bergamo.”

While Atalanta had become accustomed to being in the Champions League with Gasperini, this rough start to the Serie A season has given them a handicap to get there again.

“Our target is European qualification. The squad is strong, the club made some great signings, and I think this team must do more. I believe in the strength of these players.”

Has he asked for any reinforcements on the transfer market going towards January?

“No, my objective right now is to get to know these players better, as I have a strong team. I want to work on the mentality of this side. The lads were disappointed by the start to the season, now they have to lift their heads back up. I can’t wait to get us on the field,” concluded Palladino.