Lazio midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro highlighted his desire to prove himself worthy of Maurizio Sarri’s squad.
Speaking in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Lazio Style Radio (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 28-year-old Ivorian midfielder first touched on the team’s pre-season training camp in Auronzo di Cadore.
We are working well and hard, hopefully next week we will all be well physically. It’s different from last year, I’m not new and I know everyone.
I have more confidence. With Fares we both speak French and we have mutual friends in France, that’s why we’re often together.
Akpa Akpro then touched on the tactical system of coach Maurizio Sarri.
The system is different, we play with a 4-3-3 and we have more solutions on the outside. That’s how I play in the national team, so I’m already used to it.
I can’t tell you the tactics the coach tells us, we’ll see them on the pitch.
He commented on his debut season in Rome, arriving last summer from Serie B side Salernitana.
I started well and then physically I slowed down, I didn’t have a good preparation because I was struck by Covid when I started. Now I’m fine, the second season is more important.
The goal against Borussia Dortmund was the highlight, it’s a pity it was just that because I wanted to do so much.
The 28-year-old Ivorian commented on his objectives for next season.
To do better than last year. I personally want to score a lot of goals and assists.
Finally, Akpa Akpro spoke about his personal goals and what he needs to do to improve.
I need to improve my concentration because sometimes I get lost on the pitch. We black players do some things that are great and others that are not so great.
I have to be more consistent. I like Sarri’s game, I will do everything to prove that I can play with this team.
The 28-year-old Akpa Akpro made 32 Serie A appearances last season, for a total of 1032 minutes. He had strong defensive stats, averaging 2.82 blocks, 1.54 interceptions and 3.93 tackles per 90 minutes. He is contracted to the Roman club until 2024.
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