Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri has offered a candid perspective on the role of coaches in modern football, stating they have “very little control of players” during matches. His comments came during a press conference ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A encounter with Juventus, a club where Sarri previously won the Scudetto.
Sarri on Coaching Philosophy and Turnover
Sarri dismissed the notion that coaches possess absolute control over their teams once a game begins. “You in the media seem to think we coaches have joysticks to control the players, but in reality games are won and lost based on numerous factors,” he explained. He also touched upon the high turnover of coaches in Serie A, attributing the prevailing mentality to journalists and club directors.
The Italian manager echoed sentiments from Jürgen Klopp, noting that the results of a coach’s work are often not visible in the first season, let alone the first month. Sarri also downplayed the significance of head-to-head records between coaches, arguing they mean little given the varying factors at play, such as the quality of the teams involved.
Atalanta’s Squad Challenges
Atalanta faces significant injury concerns heading into the Juventus match. Defenders Odilon Kossounou and Isak Hien are sidelined, along with midfielder Kamaldeen Sulemana. Kossounou sustained a muscular injury in training, with Thomas Kristensen expected to step in for him.
On a more positive note, Gianluca Gaetano returns from suspension, providing a boost to the squad. Franck Kessie is also anticipated to start against Juventus. Sarri acknowledged a lack of natural leaders within his Atalanta squad, though he praised Sead Kolasinac for his contributions and expressed hope that players like Giorgio Scalvini would develop stronger leadership qualities.
Reflecting on Juventus and Serie A Trends
Sarri’s tenure at Juventus saw him lift the Scudetto in the 2019/20 season, his only league title. Reflecting on that period, he stated, “I have no regrets. It felt as if the Scudetto was taken for granted, but it’s in the past now.”
He also observed a shift in Serie A’s tactical landscape, noting that smaller and medium-sized teams are increasingly adopting more attacking approaches. “Playing good football increases your chances of scoring goals, but also increases the risk,” Sarri commented, highlighting a trend away from simply playing for a draw.