Ivan Juric, Atalanta`s coach, admitted there was a significant disparity between his team and Paris Saint-Germain following their 4-0 loss in the Champions League. He likened facing PSG to “choosing a method of execution,” regardless of the tactical approach.
Atalanta`s night began poorly, conceding within two minutes to Marquinhos. Despite goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi`s efforts, including saving a penalty from Bradley Barcola, PSG dominated. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and Goncalo Ramos sealed the 4-0 victory.
“The difference between the teams was enormous,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia. “We responded well for 25 minutes after the first goal, but then conceded the second when we shouldn`t have. It`s clear that Paris Saint-Germain are on a completely different level.”
Juric made surprising lineup choices, opting for Daniel Maldini, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mario Pasalic up front, eschewing a traditional striker. He also gave 21-year-old Lorenzo Bernasconi his Champions League debut.
Injuries continue to plague Atalanta, with Giorgio Scalvini leaving after just 10 minutes. Key players like Gianluca Scamacca, Ederson, Sead Kolasinac, and Ademola Lookman were also absent.
Despite the heavy defeat, Juric remained optimistic: “We are missing four very important players. I might be going against the grain, but I see many positives from this match. I saw players who can compete at this level, like Kossounou, Bernasconi, and Bellanova – young players who are still developing.”
Addressing criticism of his tactical approach, Juric explained, “We analyzed PSG carefully. Many believe we should have been more defensive, but teams that took that approach against them often lost badly anyway. The only sides that troubled them were Strasbourg and Lens, who pressed hard and countered quickly.”
He concluded, “Playing against PSG is like choosing your method of execution. We chose this approach, and personally, I took many positives from the match.”