Atalanta’s Gasperini Refutes Claims That Contract Situation is Causing Team’s Form Decline

Atalanta endured their third straight defeat on Sunday, which has hindered their prospects for securing a Champions League berth. However, manager Gian Piero Gasperini brushed off any notions that this recent downturn is linked to his choice not to renew his contract.

Since joining Atalanta in 2016, Gasperini has transformed the club from a mid-table team into a regular competitor in European fixtures, notably clinching the Europa League title last season. He is under contract until June 2025, with an option to extend for another year.

Earlier in February, Gasperini noted that while he might consider continuing for another season, he would not be seeking a further extension. Following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Lazio, he was questioned if his remarks have had any bearing on the team’s form.

“That’s ridiculous,” Gasperini responded to Sky Sports. “After those comments, we secured a 5-0 victory against Empoli and a 4-0 win over Juventus. It feels like an easy excuse to make.

“Last season I signed my contract in August, right after our opening match. This situation has no correlation, and it seems like a ploy to find excuses.”

In a match where nothing seemed to go Atalanta’s way, there was also a confusion regarding their substitutions. Ademola Lookman, a forward, was inadvertently taken off while the team was pushing for an equaliser.

“Ederson was meant to come off; we misjudged the numbers, and today just wasn’t our day,” Gasperini explained. “We couldn’t rectify the situation in time before Lookman was subbed off.”

Atalanta, who were once at the top of the table, now find themselves in a battle for a top-four finish as they sit in third place, striving to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.

“Shifting from the Scudetto dream to this reality is fitting; this is the true condition of Atalanta,” Gasperini remarked to DAZN. “We are in a fight for the third and fourth positions. We need to reignite our enthusiasm, recognising that this has always been our target. We have seven matches left, and we are still in contention.”