Former Lazio defender Marius Stankevicius spoke with Lazio’s official website (via Lazio News), where the 39-year-old discussed various topics, the first being his connection with the Biancocelesti.
Stankevicius spent two seasons with the Italian side but only made 16 appearances during his time in Rome. Despite not seeing the pitch that often, the defender continues to hold Lazio close to his heart, considering he still closely follows the club.
Lazio’s website asked Stankevicius to provide his thoughts on the current squad.
Of course, I still watch Lazio matches. I am analyzing the growth of the Biancocelesti to improve my career as a coach. Inside, I feel like I’m still a Lazio fan; I’m happy when I see the Biancocelesti playing at their best.
First of all, I want to congratulate Simone Inzaghi. He is doing an excellent job with the whole team. I see so much beauty; the group is very flexible in its tactical system. The team can adapt to different tactical approaches, and the players are adapting very quickly.
The team is very united, the club is working in the right direction, and Inzaghi manages to convey his ideas. This can be seen in the matches but also the consistency of the results.
I want to congratulate the whole Lazio family.
The 39-year-old Lithuania international then discussed his experiences with Lazio and UC Sampdoria.
I have great esteem for both clubs.
When these two teams meet, they evoke many pleasant memories in me.
I did very well in both club’s; I grew and improved a lot wearing Sampdoria and Lazio’s kits.
With Sampdoria, I remember with pleasure the Champions League’s participation and the final of the Coppa Italia lost against Lazio on penalties.
I will never forget the Italian Cup’s victory against Roma from my experience with the Biancocelesti: it was a unique match.
This upcoming week is a significant one for Lazio as they’ll welcome the reigning UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern Munich to the Stadio Olimpico. Stankevicius provided his thoughts on the matchup. Despite the Bavarian club being the favorite in this tie, Stankevicius believes Lazio can give the German side a run for their money.
The Champions League is a unique competition. You don’t play every week, and you can’t keep the same pace. Even mentally, you are never prepared in the same way because this tournament always gives you more motivation than the championship match, without detracting from our Serie A, which is now of the highest level. However, the Champions League is an international competition that allows you to compare yourself with different football ideas that belong to other countries other than Italy.
It will be difficult for Lazio to face Bayern Munich, but it would be difficult for any other team to challenge a team that has won six trophies in a year. Only Barcelona had established a similar result. The Bavarians are strong and well equipped, but we must not forget our strength. They are always human. Lazio must focus on this objective by trying to win. The Biancocelesti have a great team and excellent balance, and this last feature brings them many results.
Coming to the locker room’s sensations, certainly experienced footballers experience tension differently than younger ones, but this is also the beauty of football. Waiting for the match is part of this sport; every player feels the desire to wait for a Champions League match. That kind of adrenaline is one of the most beautiful sensations a player can experience.
