Gian Piero Gasperini believes beating Liverpool is "like a trophy" with the Italian on course to win his first as a manager after beating the Reds.
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Atalanta knocked out Liverpool from the Europa LeagueGaspeini delighted with the performance of his menCould win his first trophy as a manager if Atalanta win UELGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Despite Liverpool managing to secure a victory in Bergamo, Mohamed Salah's solitary strike from the spot was not enough to overturn the three-goal deficit from the first leg with Jurgen Klopp's side ultimately falling short in their bid for a comeback. And Gasperini, who is basking in the glory of Atalanta's victory over the European powerhouse, likened the achievement to winning a trophy.
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“In my career, there might not be trophies, but there are a few medals and I think this will deserve a medal," Gasperini stated after the match.
“Without a doubt, we care about winning something, but the trophy also is seeing the unity of these lads. At half-time, I asked them if they wanted to drop back a bit and defend deeper if they were feeling the pressure, but they said absolutely not! That is a trophy for me because they think like me, they are in positions and approaches that they enjoy.
"When a club like ours manages to get results well beyond the history of Atalanta and Bergamo, I have to consider this exceptional for my career, for Bergamo and for everyone.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gasperini was elated with how his men stifled Liverpool by pressing high up on the pitch and even insisted that they should have scored against the Premier League outfit.
“We eliminated a great coach and a great team," he said. "We had heart and a wonderful crowd helping us tonight. We are very happy and from tomorrow will think about the next games.
"I thought that we gave away a good dozen of these naive penalties this season, it felt like another off day. Instead, we built a fantastic performance after that penalty and should’ve scored goals, as there were the spaces to score them tonight as well, just like in Liverpool.
“It was a bit of a frenetic match. There are different ways to defend, either sitting back or going to press them high, and we chose the latter option. We were physically strong and kept up the tempo.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Atalanta's advancement to the semi-finals marks a historic achievement for the club, representing their first appearance in the last four of a UEFA tournament since the Cup Winners' Cup in 1988. Additionally, Atalanta's success contributes to Italy's growing presence in European competitions, with the country now boasting five Champions League spots in the upcoming expanded tournament next season.
