Bayer's striker Schick provides insight on Atalanta. - It denies you any chance for relief.
In the Europa League final, Bayer Leverkusen's opponents have already secured a spot in the Champions League. Despite their achievement, Atalanta (5th place) has experienced defeat this season, losing to Juventus Turin 0:1 in the cup final just last week.
Italian soccer expert and former Sampdoria Genoa and AS Roma player, Patrik Schick (28), details the unique qualities of coach Gian Piero Gasperini's (66) team and shares what Bayer 04 must be prepared for in the upcoming game against Atalanta in Dublin on Wednesday at 9pm.
Schick Discusses Atalanta's Strengths
"The match is going to be incredibly challenging," commented the Leverkusen striker. "I predict intense one-on-one battles across the pitch."
"We need to be prepared for a dogfight. There will be a defender breathing down your neck no matter where you move," adds Schick.
Atalanta is one of the most powerful teams in Serie A, and their relentless stamina is another noteworthy quality. "This team plays at a fast pace. I know that Gasperini's teams have to run a lot in training throughout the week. They'll keep going until the final whistle," Schick assured.
Schick states, "We've seen several times this season that our opponents seemed tired from the 80th minute onwards, resulting from our playing style. I don't anticipate that happening against Atalanta. They'll be in top physical shape."
The Bayer attacker suspects that his team will be highly respected by the Italian squad, who have a record of 51 unbeaten competitive games this season: "Atalanta will no doubt be aware of our unbeaten streak. This could create difficult moments in the game for them."
Finally, Schick proudly stated, "We've created something extraordinary. The way we achieved what we did will be significant in the history books. I'd say we're the most formidable team in Europe at the moment, and even Roma in the semifinal felt the pressure." So, another Italian team should expect to experience the same in the final.
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Source: symclub.org
