Atalanta coach Edy Reja saw improvement compared to his side’s showdown against Parma during the goalless draw against Udinese at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
The 69-year-old tactician took over the Nerazzurri in early March and after drawing against Parma, he managed to snatch a point against Udinese at home as well, seeing improvement and praising German Denis for his performance.
“Compared to the match against Parma we played a good game. We had several good chances, but weren’t too bright and effective enough,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“In the second half our performance worsened, even more after Carmona’s red card. We wanted to win, but we couldn’t. We are happy with a draw as well, though.
“Carlos Carmona’s red card? I asked Rocchi for explanations. It didn’t seem to me like a direct red card. I don’t think it was a particularly bad foul, definitely not worth a red card. It affected our game and could have made us lose the match.
“German Denis moved well. He needs to play in order to find the right condition. He is a key player for us, but he needs to score goals to unlock psychologically as well.
“My relationship with Napoli is very good. I have a great relationship with [Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentis. When I left, he told me that there will always be room for me there.
“Maybe he wanted me to work in a different role, but my role has always been to coach. I do not know what De Laurentis’ intentions were.”
Atalanta currently sit in 17th position of the Serie A table, still very much threatened by the possibility of relegation, with only a four-point advantage over 18th placed Cagliari.
