Gómez hints at Atalanta departure: “You will know the truth when I leave”

The dressing room dispute between Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his captain Papu Gómez seems to have more far-reaching consequences after all. After the Bergamaschi had announced last week that it was a dispute “like in all families” and it was subsequently reported that the head coach would soon extend his contract until 2023, or stay at least until the end of the season, Gómez now addressed the Atalanta fans on Instagram. In doing so, he hinted at possibly wanting to leave the Champions League round of 16 participants.

“Dear Atalanta fans, I am writing to you here because I have no other way to defend myself and talk to you,” the attacking midfielder wrote in his Instagram story. “I just wanted to let you know that you will know the truth when I leave. You know me and the person I am. I love you guys.”

The issue was triggered by the Champions League match against FC Midtjylland (1-1) on December 1. At halftime, Gasperini had instructed the Argentine to move from his position in central attacking midfield to the right wing. Gómez resisted and was subsequently substituted for Josip Ilicic, who additionally sided with his teammate on social media. In the following league match against Udinese, which was cancelled due to weather conditions, both offensive players were missing from the Nerazzurri’s squad.

Atalanta: Gasperini criticises Gómez - “Don’t know how this can be overcome”

While Gómez was back on the pitch in the decisive 1-0 win at Ajax in the Champions League, he was on the bench for 90 minutes in the 3-0 loss to Fiorentina at the weekend. According to Sky Italia, a “truce” had been agreed for the important match in Amsterdam – but the breakup between Gómez, whose contract still runs until 2022, and Gasperini was irrevocable.

Gasperini justified his decision leave the playmaker out with the intense schedule: “We had nine league games and six in the Champions League. Papu has played the most in these games. With this formula, we conceded fewer goals and were more productive in the game.”

Gómez in top 20 The most valuable players aged 32 or older Clcik here for overview However, the 62-year-old also clearly criticised Gómez. Asked about a possible split in January, Gasperini said: “The important decisions must be made by the club, which depend not only on results, but on the direction for the future. (...) From the moment I start working with a club, I have to be in line with it. Gómez has been the most important player in the last five years. With me, he has played 195 games out of 200. After the last two years, it was difficult to accommodate his role in the team because opponents adjust differently or the player’s condition changes. There must always be trust at the base. I don’t know how that can be overcome. I look at the good of the team, even if Gómez remains a good player. I feel sorry for Ilicic, who has nothing to do with it.”

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