With my expectation that this could be my last full and proper season in this save, it feels like this needs to be one monumental last push for success. I still feel like any confidence in predicting a title win would be overstating our status but I definitely expect us to at least be within reaching distance of a title race whenever January comes about. In Europe, I think we definitely peaked with our run to the Final two years ago - I’d be happy to see us being competitive in the knockout rounds again. The Coppa Italia is where I’m really throwing my hopes this season, a final is a must but a win? That would be just glorious.
TRANSFER MOVES: THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULES AND GOODBYE TO A FRIEND OF MINE
I’ve previously explained that I wanted to bring more control to our transfer dealings. Operating a direct replacement process rather than signing players on a whim. With that in mind, I did also explain that I wouldn’t let this thinking stop me from moving for the right player if they become available. The following section displays both theories at work…
Firstly, we said goodbye to José Luis Palomino - the last remaining player from my original spine. The Argentine defender moved on the completion of his contract to return to Argentina and sign for Boca Juniors. That’s seven years in total with Atalanta at an end! In this scenario, I haven’t felt the need to move for a replacement in the transfer market - with Pau Torres, Edmond Tapsoba and Danish youngster Mads Jensen, I feel we have the centre back position covered. We also can look toward the U20 side to provide back up with the likes of 18 year olds Christer Hellum and Malthe Lassen on the cusp of the senior squad.
It will go without saying that the most significant departure of this window was that of World Class French Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The man we signed from Rennes for £58m three seasons ago has moved on to pastures new at Real Madrid for an eye watering £170m!! The man chosen to replace Camavinga’s place in the midfield was Declan Rice - his dual Eng/Ire nationality ensuring he wouldn’t take any non-EU spaces! The deal was done for a fee of £54m and I expect him to slot in as our Deep Lying Playmaker.
The next significant outgoing was Edoardo Scanagatta who had become my back up right wing back. His £275k departure to Salernitana left a void to be filled. Having signed Alessandro Florenzi last season to replace Dodo, I considered how much longer we would get from the 33 year old. After careful consideration, I moved to bring in Emerson from Dortmund. Another pricey signing for £65m but I feel like he is a serious step up in that area who can contribute effectively to both defence and attack - better late than never to adequately replace Dodo.
The following two signings fall under that ‘right player’ category. Luis Muriel’s departure from Real Sociedad had already been confirmed when I moved to sign a pre-contract agreement with the man who left us for £26m two seasons ago. My idea was that he would simply act as the back up to Brenner and Hlozek… that is until this man became available. Even at 36 years old and with his legs in pieces, I couldn’t say no to Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer following his release from Bayern.
The final signing of the season was one I agonised over. When Dominik Livakovic picked up a sprained knee ligaments injury that would rule him out of the first two months of the season, I decided to make the move. 25 year old Gianluigi Donnarumma - 69 caps for Italy, 328 league appearances for Milan - signs on the dotted line for Atalanta for £151m. It’s a ludicrous amount, I know that, but just maybe this is the big move that pushes us from also-rans to gold medalists?
FRIENDLY RESULTS
I used our four friendly matches to test out a new tactical system - a 4-3-1-2. It’s something that has served me well in previous editions of the game and I think may give me a bit more stability in defence with a flat back four.
The initial signs were quite good with four clean sheets and us scoring quite readily. Lewandowski getting himself into the goals for his first few apperances in an Atalanta shirt was nice to see.
PLANS, HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS
As I’ve said, I believe this could be my last proper season with Atalanta in this save so I’m hopeful of getting off to a quick start in the league.
Our first five fixtures are a good mix with Spezia (away), Sassuolo (home), Lazio (away), Hellas Verona (home) and, winners of the last two Serie A campaigns, Inter (away).
I’ve taken some relatively big risks in this transfer window so here’s hoping it’ll pay off big so I can sign off in style!