Ivan Juric expressed his disappointment after Atalanta`s 1-1 draw with Juventus, a match in which his team initially took the lead. He also highlighted his role in “discovering” Kamaldeen Sulemana during his previous tenure at Southampton.
Despite facing significant pressure in the first half, Atalanta, often referred to as La Dea, went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage, thanks to Kamaldeen Sulemana`s impressive solo effort, marking his second goal of the season.
However, the game`s dynamic shifted rapidly within a mere two minutes. Juan Cabal netted an equalizer from close range following an unfortunate clearance error by Odilon Kossonou, and almost immediately afterward, Marten de Roon was shown a second yellow card, reducing Atalanta to ten men.
Despite being a man down, Atalanta successfully held on for a crucial point, extending their unbeaten run in Serie A this season. This result also means they have not suffered an away defeat against Juventus since 2018.
Juric Starting to See His Atalanta
“Juve performed better in the initial 20 minutes, securing numerous corner kicks,” Juric told DAZN Italia. “However, we harbored regrets because after gaining the lead, we had clear opportunities to put the game beyond reach, and we should have capitalized on them more effectively.”
He continued, “We conceded due to an error, but I remain highly satisfied with the team`s performance and the fighting spirit displayed today. Several young players truly stepped up. Had we secured the two points we rightfully deserved against Pisa, we would currently be much higher in the league standings.”
Juric also singled out individual performances, stating, “I witnessed players like Honest Ahanor performing exceptionally well today, which bodes well for our future. He had already shown flashes of his ability, demonstrating keenness and a strong desire to learn. He has genuinely impressed me over these past months with his commitment to improving every detail.”
While Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere returned to the squad as substitutes, key players Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Nicola Zalewski, Gianluca Scamacca, and Sead Kolasinac were still sidelined due to various injuries.
Regarding Sulemana`s impressive scoring record since his transfer to Atalanta from Southampton, where he had previously worked under Juric, the coach was asked if he anticipated such a strong impact.
Juric responded, “I found him at Southampton when he was practically out of the squad; in a way, I `discovered` him. He has room to improve in his final decision-making, but his innate quality is evident, and he is exceptionally good at tracking back to aid the defense. You can rely on him to perform the necessary defensive duties when required.”
Following the departure of his mentor Gian Piero Gasperini, Juric`s appointment to the Atalanta position generated some discussion. The interviewer then asked if Juric feels his coaching abilities are often underestimated.
Juric concluded by reflecting on his coaching journey: “I performed very well for many years. While last season`s results were challenging, the experiences in the Premier League and with Roma were incredibly valuable. I was thrown into those roles, and it certainly wasn`t easy, but I believe those challenges ultimately made me a stronger coach.”
