Atalanta said they would enter a training retreat after a 3-0 home defeat to Parma on Monday. The result extended their Serie A winless streak to four matches and left them 13th with 11 points from 10 games.
Retreat confirmed after defeat
Maurizio Sarri confirmed Atalanta would go into a training retreat after the loss. Cristiano Giuntoli also confirmed the decision to send the team into a training retreat.
Sarri said via Gazzetta: "The first 40 minutes were high-level; we had the game in our hands. Then we conceded from a set piece, and we paid a high price. It’s hard to accept that second half."
Sarri said: "I apologise to the fans and the club; we can’t be so fragile in defence and in our heads. It’s better to go on a training retreat for some days."
Sarri on the performance
Sarri said: "It wasn’t about Parma’s courage; it was about our fear."
Sarri said: "We controlled the game, and we had time to turn things round. On the other hand, we got irritable, and that’s how it ended."
Sarri said: "I feel indebted to this club; I’m happy here, and I want to come out of this difficult moment. Honestly, I didn’t expect this fragility from the group, while other difficulties were predictable."
Giuntoli's response
Sporting director Giuntoli said: "We apologise to our fans; the second half was unacceptable."
Giuntoli said: "Now we need to keep our heads down and keep working hard. Starting tomorrow, we’ll all head to training camp."
Asked whether the coach is under scrutiny, Giuntoli said: "We are all under scrutiny these days."
Table position and next match
Atalanta have 11 points in 10 league games this season, have won one of their last five Serie A matches, and have scored 16 goals while conceding 20. At full time, Atalanta players were loudly booed by their fans.
Atalanta host Kairat in the Conference League on Thursday. Sarri and Giuntoli both joined the club this summer.
