Sarri Praises Fan Support: "This Sense of Belonging is Immense"

After securing their first league win of the season against Sassuolo with a 2-1 scoreline at the New Balance Arena, Maurizio Sarri expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial support from the fans. He highlighted the "sense of belonging" as a significant factor in the team's success.

Sarri admitted that the team experienced some difficulties, particularly in defensive phases, but was pleased with the overall result and the character shown by his players. He acknowledged the challenges faced at the start of the season, including the staggered return of World Cup participants, injuries, and a slow transfer market. Despite these hurdles, the team managed to secure three points and build momentum.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Conference League playoff second leg, Sarri emphasized the need for a strong mentality and belief in their ability to succeed, even though he anticipates a tough match.

The coach was particularly moved by the unwavering support of the fans, who were present before and during the game, and even applauded him as he left the field. "This sense of belonging can be felt here, and it's immense, it's beautiful," Sarri stated, underscoring the positive impact of the crowd's encouragement.

With this victory, the team has gained valuable points and a vital boost from their supporters. However, the focus will now shift to preparing for the crucial return leg in Hungary.

English Translation:

Sarri thanks the curva: "This sense of belonging is immense"

First league victory and first satisfaction in front of their home crowd. Speaking to the club's official channels after the 2-1 win over Sassuolo at the New Balance Arena, Maurizio Sarri commented on an evening that brought three points and several positive signs. He acknowledged the difficulties of a complicated start, marked by staggered returns after the World Cup and the team's focus already on the Conference League playoff return match, following a preseason that had raised more questions than it answered.

Manager, are you satisfied with this Atalanta and the progress it has made?

"I am very satisfied with the first thirty minutes and very satisfied with the final character. In between, we suffered a bit too much, with a somewhat passive defensive phase at times, but I am happy with the result, with the group, and with the public, because they helped us immensely. So I am happy that the match ended this way. It wasn't easy for us: between the staggered return of the World Cup participants, some injuries, and a stagnant transfer market for everyone, not just us, we arrived at the first league game feeling breathless. However, the team reacted, and that's good."

Winning helps winning: now there is the return of the Conference League playoff.

"We have to go into it with a great mentality, we have to go into it convinced that we can do it, because we can do it, knowing that it will be difficult. But there is little that is easy in this game."

You said it yourself: the public was close to you, and in the end, they even applauded your exit from the field.

"They were close to us even before the match, and therefore it's something beautiful. This sense of belonging can be felt here, and it's immense, it's beautiful."

Three points and a realization that is worth more than a tactical analysis: in a phase where the team's mechanisms are still developing, the push from the environment becomes a concrete ally. From tomorrow, however, all attention will be on Hungary.