Until last week he was the Frenchman for Atalanta Bergamo. Arrived on loan from Nice at the end of January, Adrien Tameze quickly felt at home in the heart of this workforce which combines thirteen different nationalities. But the 26-year-old Franco-Cameroonian midfielder will not end the adventure with the transalpine team, he is returning to his hometowns this week at OGC Nice. In the meantime, he gave us the reasons that make Atalanta a team like no other.
What characterizes this Atalanta team?
ADRIEN TAMEZE. Two things. The first is the big, talented individuals: Papu Gomez or Duván Zapata, even in the middle of Remo Freuler… Frankly, I didn't know the players, but working with them on a daily basis, I saw the qualities of each one and, believe me -me, there is a very good level! And then, of course, if the team is doing so well, it's thanks to the coach's paw. Gian Piero Gasperini is very good at making the most of the potential of each player. That's what makes it work, defends and attacks so well.
What type of personality is behind Gasperini?
He's not like any trainer I've had so far. He's got his own thing. He is a rather firm person, with strong ideas. He's tactically very picky, very precise in how he wants to see the team defending or attacking. He is firm, yells a lot on the edge of the field, whether in matches or in training. But he also talks a lot, he sometimes deliriums with the players, that's what is good. He is not a tyrant, far from it. In fact, he gets what he wants from the players thanks to his good management.
Is this team as close-knit as they say?
Yes. The coach relies on a player base that has been there for several years. It is well oiled, well established. Above all, the group is one, in everything it does. When I arrived, we went to the restaurant together. Like everywhere, the new ones went there with their little song. There is a WhatsApp group where players are chatting. The group is really close. A little, of course, because there was the pandemic, but there is solidarity and a great closeness between the players and the staff no matter what.
How will the team approach this quarter-final against PSG, according to you?
Against Paris, Atalanta will play without pressure. She will not go to close everything, playing eleven behind, it is not in the mind of the team. She has her chances and she will fight to win this game. Regardless of the opponent, the team plays as usual, without fear, liberated because they know they will have chances to score.
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