Hansi Flick praises Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini

In the 8th round of the Champions League group stage, Barcelona will face Atalanta at home. Coach Hansi Flick praised Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Although Barcelona ranked second in the Champions League with 18 points and has secured a place in the last 16, Flick did not get carried away or underestimate his opponent. At the pre-match press conference, Flick said: "Being able to advance as the top two in the group may be very important for the next game."

"I have great respect for Gasperini and his work at Atlanta. He has been coaching the team for more than eight years and this kind of stability is very rare in today's football. You can see how amazing the results can be when a club gives its coach enough trust."

"What they have done over the last few years is incredible, they have a unique style in Europe. They play one-on-one pressing all over the pitch, which makes it very difficult for the opponent to deal with. It is a unique way of playing.

However, Atalanta will be missing striker Ademola Lookman in this game, which is undoubtedly a big loss for their offensive end. In this regard, Flick said: "When an important player is absent, it will indeed have a certain impact. But I believe in Gasperini's understanding of his team. They will not change their tactics and always stick to the same game concept."