Sarri Requests Patience: "Klopp Finished Eighth in His First Year. De Ketelaere? He Doesn't Realize..."

Facing the opponent's environment and team requires performing well, otherwise, problems will arise. We are in a high-stakes match context and must rise to the occasion. This is what Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri stated on the eve of the match in the Netherlands against Ajax, part of the Conference League group stage.

Sometimes, despite extensive discussions, clarity on what has happened is elusive. We lack consistency, both between matches and within a single game.

'Morale Isn't Rock Bottom'

Regarding injuries, players must understand that eleven will take the field tomorrow, and those who play must be placed in the right conditions. Morale isn't at rock bottom; injuries happen to all teams competing in Europe, no more, no less. Sarri told Sky Sport and in a press conference that he anticipated many difficulties due to the complicated start to the season, calling it inevitable. He cited Klopp's first year, where the team finished eighth before achieving great success, as an example. Re-igniting a new cycle for a team with a long history isn't a two or three-month process.

On Charles De Ketelaere, Sarri commented that he will eventually get a rest, which is unavoidable. De Ketelaere possesses enormous potential, though Sarri is unsure if he fully grasps it. What frustrates is that he consistently gives the impression he could do more.

'Ajax Surprised Me, They Have Great Qualities'

Sarri shared his thoughts on tomorrow's opponents: "I didn't quite grasp the first cycle of Ajax; their style was so different from everyone else's. In the second cycle, I was getting older, but I studied them. I followed Cruyff at Barcelona too, some things remain. They are a technical team, and I expect a technical match, with of course, some tactical elements. They have amazed me; they possess great qualities. It will be a high-level game in a beautiful setting. I hope Atalanta will be the more technical team. An early final? I would sound unconvincing discussing that now as we are just starting the group stage. We need to advance through the rounds; it's all premature. The name Ajax evokes an important past, a club of great successes. We must focus on tomorrow's match, ideally avoiding playoffs. We need 13-14 points."

Regarding Atalanta's morale after the defeat against Milan: "I am convinced we are among the best. I don't see a significant difference between playing in Italy and in Europe. Everything is fine in football when it's executed well."