Juric: ‘Abyss between Atalanta and PSG, like choosing method of execution’ | OneFootball

Ivan Juric admits there was an ‘abyss’ between Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain, so taking a defensive approach would not have helped. ‘It’s like choosing your method of execution.’

It was the worst possible start for La Dea, who were already a goal down within 120 seconds through Marquinhos, followed by a series of desperate Marco Carnesecchi saves.

Despite the goalkeeper parrying a penalty from Bradley Barcola, PSG still managed to plump up the scoreline to 4-0 with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos.

Juric defends Atalanta approach in Paris

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Players of Atalanta BC pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

“The difference between the teams was enormous, an abyss,” confessed Juric to Sky Sport Italia.

“We had actually responded well for 25 minutes after the first goal, then we conceded the second when we shouldn’t have done. It’s obvious Paris Saint-Germain are on a totally different level.”

Juric made some very surprising choices to face the reigning Champions of Europe, choosing Daniel Maldini, Charles De Ketelaere and Mario Pasalic upfront, so playing without a real centre-forward.

“It’s not about courage, Daniel was meant to play the same role that Krstovic did when he came on, it was just that it wasn’t done the right way.”

He also picked 21-year-old Lorenzo Bernasconi just days after the player made his Serie A debut, preferring him to Nicola Zalewski.

Injury problems continue to pile up for Juric, as Giorgio Scalvini lasted just 10 minutes before limping off again with a groin issue, with Gianluca Scamacca, Ederson, Sead Kolasinac and Ademola Lookman missing too.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC is challenged by Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Juric was asked where he believes Atalanta can really go this season, considering the many changes and this damning defeat.

“We are missing four very big players. I might be going against the grain here, but I take many positives from this match,” insisted the coach.

“I saw players who can compete at this level, like Kossounou, Bernasconi, Bellanova, youngsters who are still growing. Hien, Musah and Brescianini too can improve and I think when we get everyone back, Atalanta can be competitive again.”

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain makes a pass whilst under pressure from Lorenzo Bernasconi of Atalanta BC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

The coach was asked if he regretted facing Luis Enrique’s team man for man, or if he should’ve taken a more defensive approach.

“We analysed Paris Saint-Germain carefully. I know many believe we ought to sit back and be more prudent, but we saw that most of the teams that took that approach against them tended to lose badly anyway without even really trying,” replied Juric.

“The only sides that hurt them were Strasbourg and Lens, who pushed hard, tried to win back the ball and then go on the counter-attack quickly. Playing against PSG is a bit like choosing your method of execution. We chose this approach and personally I took many positives from the match.”