Juric: ‘Atalanta a big opportunity, Roma and Southampton fantastic learning experiences’ | OneFootball

Ivan Juric fully admits Atalanta are taking a gamble on him to replace Gian Piero Gasperini, but insists the dismal Roma and Southampton spells were ‘fantastic learning experiences.’

The coach was a somewhat surprising choice in some ways to take over after nine years of the Gasperini reign.

While he did see Gasp as a mentor, acting as his player and then assistant manager, he was also coming off a truly disastrous 2024-25 season that saw him sacked by both Roma and Premier League side Southampton.

“We want to give a sense of consistency to the work done in these years, so his style of football is suited to Atalanta,” explained President Antonio Percassi.

Atalanta take a gamble on Juric

epa09913061 Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Torino’s coach Ivan Juric at the end of the Italian Serie A soccer match Atalanta BC vs Torino FC at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, 27 April 2022. EPA-EFE/PAOLO MAGNI

Juric was very open in today’s press conference about the difficulties he has experienced over the last year.

“This is football, you have five great seasons, then all it takes is a single bad one to make you start from scratch,” said the new Atalanta coach.

“This is a bonus for me, because I did not do well this season, and now I have a great opportunity. It doesn’t happen often, the journey of a coach is usually different.”

It was a very odd campaign, as Juric lasted 12 matches at Roma from September to November, then 16 on the Southampton bench from December to early April.

“It was a negative year in a sporting sense, but a fantastic one in terms of learning experience. I feel much stronger than I was a year ago,” insisted the Croatian.

“I worked with great players at Roma, appreciated the Premier League at Southampton, so they were positive for my growth as a coach.

“These were two situations where I took over with the season already started under very different coaching methods. It is fundamental for my work to start from pre-season.

“I will say that Southampton used statistics and work on set plays far more than I was accustomed to, so I want to do more in that area.”

Juric had a tough 2024-25 season

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Head coach Ivan Juric of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and AS Roma at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 27, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Does it weigh on him to be considered the heir to Gasperini?

“Certainly not, it is better to be taking over at a club accustomed to working in a certain way. We spoke this morning, he told me not to be too influenced by his work.

“Gasperini did not just influence me, but many others in Serie A and abroad. We’ll see some different things during the season. The squad looks pretty complete, I don’t see much need for intervention there.

“We perhaps have a few different things in attack. Gasperini, Pep Guardiola and Maurizio Sarri, they all have their own style, followed by disciples that are inspired, but ultimately you have to find your own path.”

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This will also be the first time Juric has ever competed in the Champions League.

“I am not afraid, but I am curious, this is a big challenge for me too.”

Considering the success Gasperini had with Atalanta, what is the objective for Juric now?

“It’s difficult to say, but we want to continue along the same journey. What must by Atalanta be? Winning.”