Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri spoke highly of new signing Toma Basic ahead of tomorrow’s match against Spezia.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) earlier today, the 62-year-old Italian coach first spoke about what the squad needs to improve on.
We have to improve on all aspects, starting with the centre of gravity of the team.
We have room for improvement in both phases of the game, but they are not linear paths of growth, there will be moments of stagnation and growth.
He then touched on the physical condition of Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe.
Luiz Felipe hasn’t suffered a serious injury, he’s had tests and between today and tomorrow we’ll assess whether he’ll be there tomorrow.
It’s a very minor injury.
The former Juventus and Napoli coach commented on the arrival of Croatian midfielder Toma Basic and if he’ll start against Spezia tomorrow.
Basic is ready, he has already played three games in Ligue 1.
But he is a player who must be included, Basic isn’t coming from Serie A like Pedro, he needs time.
He can play with both feet and can be used as an inside player on the right or left, but I don’t think he can be deployed as a defensive midfielder.
Sarri looked ahead to tomorrow’s opponents in Thiago Motta’s Spezia.
Spezia are a dynamic team and will be difficult to face.
I saw a few minutes of yesterday’s game at the Olimpico and we’ll be playing on a pitch that’s unworthy of a city like Rome. There is more than one concern.
He confirmed that he wasn’t planning to deviate from his 4-3-3 system.
Whoever suggested this has seen images in which we simulated the opposing team’s formation, not ours.
The 62-year-old Italian coach did not have much to say about the situation surrounding Dimitrije Kamenovic.
It depends on how the market develops in the last few days.
I’m not concentrating much on the market, I’m concentrating on what I have to do.
The former Chelsea coach provided an update on Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto.
Physically he’s growing, we have to manage a transition phase that is not easy. In midfield this team could afford things that now need to be adjusted.
We have favoured the solidity of the team, but he’s very important. I always like quality players.
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He spoke about Italian football as a whole.
The results of the national teams no longer correspond to the football movement. In Italy there are not many Italians, in England there are no Englishmen.
Economic strength counts, but it doesn’t represent everything, ideas count, and players come and go.
The 62-year-old Italian coach touched on his issues with modern football.
This management of retreats and friendlies with the market open is one of the follies of modern football.
From 1 June to 10 September, there will be around 70 players with their national teams between commitments and breaks to recover.
Another thing that has no logic. Football in which it is becoming increasingly difficult to do anything.
Finally, Sarri highlighted that Lazio will be looking to perform well in this season’s Europa League.
The Europa League starts in 20 days, now we are focused on our work, but it is a competition we want to play to our full potential.
It will be a difficult tournament from the start.
