Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi expressed his excitement at working with coach Maurizio Sarri at the retreat in Marienfeld.
Speaking to Lazio’s official channels (via LazioNews24) earlier today, the 33-year-old Italian defender first spoke about how it felt to work under the former Juventus and Napoli coach.
The sessions are very intense and very different from Inzaghi’s work. I like it a lot, I told the coach when he called me. We’re all enthusiastic, charged up for the new season.
We’re happy with him, we’ll follow him closely, so he’s great for us. He wants a very tight four-man line. We have to be precise in our movements.
He’s very meticulous and that’s what makes the difference in the league. I’m happy to do this job because I like to improve. We have to work to get it all right automaticity together.
He gave his thoughts on the Biancocelesti’s new signings, like Elseid Hysaj and Dimitrije Kamenovic.
I’ve seen players who are willing and available. Now I’ll get to know them little by little, but I’ve seen that they all give their best.
Without the group you can’t go anywhere, so far everything has gone well.
The former Sassuolo defender looked ahead to the Biancocelesti’s goals for next season.
As we’ve always shown, coaches who have won know how to do it. Returning to the Champions League is our goal, but without setting ourselves limits.
The important thing is to work, as we did at the European Championship. The desire wins over everything. It’s the basis for doing something more.
Acerbi discussed the playing style of Maurizio Sarri, his distinctive brand of ‘Sarrismo’.
The coach always wants to get the ball forward. With the quality we have you can’t not be a Lazio player.
We know how to play, it’s a bit different between the two.
Mancini and Sarri? They’re different.
The 33-year-old defender commented on his and the Azzurri’s success at Euro 2020 this summer.
I’m not someone who enjoys things when they happen. I’m very happy but I like to work, give everything and not be satisfied. Maybe I’ll understand what we’ve achieved in 10 years’ time.
Now I’m focused on work again, because you must never stop. However, obviously, looking back, I’m proud of where I’ve come from.
Winning something is a dream you have had since you were a child. It was great to win with a fantastic group. There was something in the air, we told each other.
The group does something more than the players even if the others had more quality.
He then moved onto discussing the support from the Azzurri fans.
They’ve been wonderful, a country has united. They’ve been there for us, for me and for Ciro.
I hope we can return to normality, even with the stadiums. The dedication is for all of them.
Finally, Acerbi touched on the imminent birth of his daughter Vittoria.
It will be an incredible emotion. Vittoria is a month and a few days away from being born. I hope she’s doing well.
I’m really happy. I can’t wait to start this season, there are still so many things I’m planning to do.
The 33-year-old Acerbi, who is contracted to Lazio until 2023, made 32 Serie A appearances last season, for a total of 2815 minutes. In that time, he provided one assist and helped the side keep 10 clean sheets.
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