Palladino: Atalanta must ‘remove the emotion’ for crucial Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta cannot let the occasion overwhelm them as they prepare for a difficult Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the match, with quotes via AlfredoPedulla.com, the coach made it clear that the emotional weight of Europe’s elite competition must be pushed aside once the whistle blows.

Palladino admitted that simply hearing the word Champions “creates emotion”, but stressed that there is “no space for that” once the game begins.

He highlighted the importance of clarity and composure away from home against an opponent he described as “a strong team” within “an important competition”.

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: David Neres of SSC Napoli scores his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

He praised his squad’s attitude throughout the international period, saying he sees “players who give everything on a daily basis”, something that “leaves me calm and makes me hopeful for the future”.

Palladino added that he has “received great responses in recent days” and is “proud to coach these players”.

Palladino confident of Atalanta ahead of Frankfurt trip

The coach also reflected on Atalanta’s strong European displays so far, noting how the Champions League inevitably raises the bar. “This competition lifts your level,” he explained.

“The intensity, the quality, the stadiums and the atmosphere make everything more beautiful.”

He underlined the value of measuring themselves against high-level opponents such as Eintracht, calling them “dangerous” and insisting Atalanta must show “a lot of respect” when stepping into their home stadium.

Despite that respect, Palladino made it clear that Atalanta are not travelling to Germany as underdogs.

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Raffaele Palladino Atalanta BC head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

He pointed out that Eintracht are in good form in the Bundesliga and “score a lot of goals”, but stressed that his squad has arrived with confidence: “We’ve come here with self-esteem and we want to do well.”

With qualification on the line, Palladino’s message was sharp: control the emotion, trust the work done, and face the challenge with ambition rather than fear.