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Gasperini is on the verge of extending his contract with Atalanta, marking a remarkable decade-long tenure with the club. This is a rare feat in modern football where managerial stints typically last between one to three years on average.
Ederson's Insight: Adapting to Gasperini's Vision
Ederson, Atalanta's midfielder, sheds light on Gasperini's coaching style, stating: "Gasperini initially allowed me to play somewhat freely, but here I had to prioritize the defensive phase contrary to what I was used to doing. It took me 4 months to understand well and 6 to do what he asked of me: he focuses on mental strength and encourages me to improve the precision and speed of vertical passes for the attackers."
Gasperini is renowned for his tactical prowess, often deploying flexible and dynamic systems tailored to counter opponents effectively. Yet, his coaching philosophy extends beyond tactical instructions to prioritize the mental and psychological development of his players.
Cultivating Talent: Atalanta's Success Stories
Here's a glance at some players who thrived under Coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tutelage at Atalanta and were subsequently sold for substantial fees:
Dejan Kulusevski: Initially loaned to Parma, he was later transferred to Juventus for approximately €35 million in January 2020.
Franck Kessié: Sold to AC Milan for around €28 million in 2017.
Roberto Gagliardini: Moved to Inter Milan for approximately €25 million in January 2017.
Bryan Cristante: Transferred to AS Roma for a fee that could reach €30 million with add-ons in 2018.
Amad Diallo: Joined Manchester United for a fee that may rise to €41 million with add-ons, in January 2021.
Gianluca Mancini: Sold to Roma for a fee potentially rising to €23 million in 2019.
Pierluigi Gollini: Moved to Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an option to buy for around €15 million in 2021.
Aleksei Miranchuk: Sold to Torino for a fee reportedly around €10-15 million.
Timothy Castagne: Transferred to Leicester City for approximately €21 million in 2020.
As evidenced by Ederson's remarks, Gasperini's coaching style is characterized by its rigor, aiming not only to enhance players' technical and tactical abilities but also to cultivate their mental resilience and competitiveness.
Testimony from Peers: Gasperini's Influence
Thiago Motta, who emerged as a revelation coach at Bologna this season, praised Gasperini during their time together at Genoa:
“I worked with coaches like Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Rafa Benítez, but nobody like Gasperini. He taught me so much on a human, technical, and tactical level.”
Gasperini's coaching philosophy revolves around pushing players beyond their perceived limits, fostering a strong team spirit, and instilling a high work ethic. This holistic approach, addressing both technical and mental facets of the game, has been instrumental in Atalanta's success and the development of young talents under his guidance.
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