Collecchio, 24 gennaio 2026 - Head Coach Carlos Cuesta, shared his thoughts during his press conference for Matchday 22. He spoke ahead of the clash against Atalanta in the press room of the Mutti Training Centre in Collecchio.

THE DRIVE TO EARN POINTS

'The team is really hungry for points and eager to perform well to. Our mindset, our obsession, is to always do everything we can to come away with something. Every match is an opportunity, and tomorrow is a big one. We've been competitive in every fixture, always in the game, except against Inter. Right now, we're not looking back or making judgments, our full focus is on what's next. We know we're facing a tough opponent, and it will be a difficult match. To get points, we'll need to be at our very best. That doesn't change. Every game is worth three points, and we have to give everything, every time.'

ATALANTA, A STRONG IDENTITY

'They are a very strong side, and aggressive. They have had a clear identity for years, despite changes in Coach. They're playing in the Champions League, so we know what level they are at. But at the same time, we know how to play our game and do what we can to increase our chances of getting a good result.'

WORK ETHIC

'I’ve got plenty of work to focus on here, so that’s where my attention goes, rather than listening to or reading other people’s opinions. I’m very fortunate to work with great people who help me do my job in a positive way, and above all, help me do it to the best of my ability. That’s what I focus on: giving everything I have, every single day. We need to keep improving and give everything we’ve got to help our players grow and contribute even more to the team. My focus has always been the same: supporting them as much as possible so they can express their full potential, and creating the right environment for that to happen. Being there for them, every step of the way. How do we improve going forward? By working on it every day in training, getting into attacking areas more often and, when we do, creating as much danger as possible.

As for the squad, there were a few minor knocks during the week, small things we’ll assess, but the focus is total. Tomorrow we need a big performance and to come away with points. We’ll see how it goes. On Djurić’s comments about freedom in attack: absolutely. Football needs structure, but it also needs spontaneity and creativity, giving players the freedom to make the difference, to see and attempt things others don’t. That’s a fundamental part of the game, and especially in attack, it’s often what decides matches.'

JACOB ONDREJKA

'In football, judgments are always subjective and can hinge on the smallest details. We often evaluate performances and players based on fine margins. If Ondrejka scores against Inter when it’s still 0-0, suddenly it’s seen as a huge contribution and the whole conversation changes, just like what happened against Fiorentina. He’s getting into good positions, and we need to help him find those situations more often. We know how much he can offer the team, his potential impact is very high, and we’re well aware of his qualities. Our job is to support him as much as possible, especially after six months without playing, so that he can feel comfortable and make the most of his abilities.'

THE TRANSFER MARKET

'We’re fully aligned with the club on all the decisions that have been made. I’d also like to mention the players who are no longer at the Club, starting with Vicente, whose departure was announced yesterday. He gave us an important contribution over the past couple of months, as did Begić, Hernani Jr and Løvik. They all helped create a strong, healthy group, a real team that supports one another and always tries to give everything. Those values are built day by day, and you can see them on the pitch. Are we lacking in any positions? We feel well covered. As for Trabucchi’s loan move, it’s a decision we made because we really believe in him, something we’ve already shown by starting him in the Coppa Italia. We believe the best thing for his development, both on and off the pitch, is regular playing time in a very competitive league, which will help him grow in the future.”

ON MIKOLAJEWSKI AND NDIAYE

'Mikolajewski has real potential, definitely more mature than his age would suggest. He’s hungry and has important qualities that give him room to grow. As for Ndiaye, he’s back training on the pitch, but he won’t be available for the next few weeks. He’s improving step by step, but we’re still some way off from seeing him in action.'