Sarri: ‘Atalanta more positive than negative, unexpected defeat to Ajax’
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 22: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta BC, looks on before the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AFC Ajax and Atalanta BC at Johan Cruijff Arena on October 22, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Maurizio Sarri sees ‘more positives than negatives’ from Atalanta’s 2-0 Conference League loss to Ajax. ‘Going into the last five minutes, the last thing I was thinking about was defeat.’
La Dea had some good scoring opportunities and a decent amount of possession in Amsterdam, but were ultimately undone by two late errors.
The first saw youth academy product Relja Obric muscled off a long ball by Tolu Arodokare, then Abdella Ouazane blasted in off the underside of the bar from the tightest of angles for the 2-0 result.
Sarri irritated with Atalanta defeat
“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. It was a performance of tempo and intensity, worthy of the European level against a good team.
“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. I am sorry for our fans, so many came here to see us.”
It was the second senior game for Obric, who also made a costly error in his senior debut at the weekend in a 3-2 Serie A defeat to Milan.
This has been a baptism of fire for the youngster, who was forced to play due to a growing injury crisis in defence.
“We need a result to get out of this, but we mustn’t leave the stadium tonight feeling distraught,” insisted Sarri.
“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.”
Atalanta were swarming around Ajax on several occasions, but didn’t manage to finish off the move or even truly test Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
“I agree, at this level you cannot have three on two and not even get a shot on target. 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.”
So far this season, Atalanta have conceded many goals, but are nowhere near as effective going forward as one would expect either from this club, or from a Sarri side.
“I believe we can improve defensively too. I never mentioned the absences, but we were without four central defenders tonight, and that is a lot. 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,” concluded Sarri.
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