Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri looked ahead to tomorrow’s Serie A season opener against Empoli.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 62-year-old Italian coach first discussed Brazilian forward Felipe Anderson.
Felipe Anderson had to deal with some paperwork, but he should be available for Empoli. The Brazilian can play on either the left or the right, we’ll see him on both sides throughout the season.
He then touched on if Luis Alberto or Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro will start in the midfield tomorrow.
We’ll see tomorrow. The Spaniard has had a few physical problems but has trained regularly this week. Akpa Akpro is underrated, he’s not refined but he has a lot of quality.
The former Juventus and Chelsea coach commented on the qualities of young talent Luka Romero.
I’ve never seen a 16-year-old train with such ferocity and quality. He’s an exception, he lacks something physically as it should be.
The Argentine will give us a big hand during the season.
Sarri confirmed that he has no issues with Luis Alberto and that he believes in the Spaniard.
Luis Alberto is a very talented player, of extraordinary quality. He has a special character, he’s a great guy.
The more we get to know each other, the better we’ll get along, but I’ve had no problem with him.
He spoke about the transfer market a little and the decision to sign Roma winger Pedro.
The market is a boring subject for me. Pedro was one of the names we mentioned in the summer, we had the opportunity to get him and we took it.
The 62-year-old Italian coach touched on if the 34-year-old Spanish winger will feature against Empoli tomorrow evening.
It’s difficult to say if Pedro will play. We’ve trained lightly in the last two days, he’s a brilliant player.
I think he can play a bit of the game.
The Biancocelesti coach commented on the situation surrounding Joaquin Correa, whose future is still shrouded in doubt.
Correa’s role, at this moment, is to be evaluated. We’re talking about a strong player, but he has expressed his idea in the past.
The situation is in flux, this does not put him in the ideal mental condition to play.
I would see Correa as a left outside player or as a central striker. Immobile is the most important reference point for us.
As for the Argentine, we’ll understand the situation in the coming days.
Sarri highlighted that the squad is still a work in progress and that it will take time to fully adapt to his 4-3-3 system.
We are under construction, the situation is evolving. I consider myself a specialist and I would like to see everything at its best.
It will probably be a season of construction in order to be more competitive in the next sporting years.
I’m happy because I’ve seen great application, we’re changing the way we think about football.
The guys’ dedication is fierce and I’m enjoying myself.
He looked ahead to tomorrow’s Serie A season opener against Empoli.
I expect a difficult match at Empoli, especially if the Azzurri play the first half-hour they offered against Vicenza. They’re a technical and young team.
Finally, Sarri spoke about the current position of Lazio as a team.
We’re starting from last year’s sixth place, we’ll see if we improve or worsen this position.
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