Maurizio Sarri reacted after Atalanta lost 2-0 to Ajax in the Conference League in Amsterdam. He said there were more positives than negatives in the performance and placed more responsibility on missed chances than on the defence.
Sarri's view of the performance
Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "We made a mistake and it cost us a goal, but it’s not as if we can blame the lads too much for that."
Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "The second half we were under pressure, but managed to create numerous chances on the counter, but we failed to make the most of those situations."
Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "It was a performance of tempo and intensity, worthy of the European level against a good team."
Sarri said: "We need a result to get out of this, but we mustn’t leave the stadium tonight feeling distraught."
Sarri said: "A little angry, maybe frustrated, but not distraught, because it was a strong performance, we showed improvement in some areas, and there are more positives than negatives to take from this game."
Responsibility for the defeat
Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "Going into the last five minutes, the last thing I was thinking about was a defeat, because the situation seemed to be favourable for us."
Sarri said: "I agree, at this level you cannot have three on two and not even get a shot on target."
Sarri said: "If there is a responsibility for the defeat today, I would put it less at the feet of the defence, and more at the failure to take the scoring opportunities."
Obric and the defensive situation
Football Italia reported that Atalanta had some good scoring opportunities and a decent amount of possession in Amsterdam. Football Italia also reported that Atalanta were undone by two late errors.
Football Italia reported that the first goal came when Relja Obric was muscled off a long ball by Tolu Arodokare, and that Abdella Ouazane later scored off the underside of the bar from a tight angle.
Football Italia reported that it was the second senior game for Obric, and that he also made a costly error in his senior debut in a 3-2 Serie A defeat to Milan. Football Italia reported that Obric was forced to play due to a growing injury crisis in defence.
Sarri said: "I also want to note we should not have left Obric alone against an opponent who is taller and stronger, there should’ve been help from his teammates."
Sarri said: "I believe we can improve defensively too."
Sarri said: "I never mentioned the absences, but we were without four central defenders tonight, and that is a lot."
Message to the fans
Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "I am sorry for our fans, so many came here to see us."