Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina expressed the need for patience as the squad learns coach Maurizio Sarri’s system.
Speaking at the Manlio Scopigno-Felice Pulici awards ceremony at CONI’s Room of Honours (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 39-year-old Spanish goalkeeper commented on the team’s progress under Sarri so far and the goals for this season.
We are now starting a new path. Sarri is asking us to play very differently. We need some patience, even if in Rome it is not obvious to have patience.
We need to do everything right and get results. Our potential is strong and we’ll carry on along our path without listening to or seeing what is said about us.
Reina then discussed Azzurri legend Dino Zoff and his values for football and life.
It’s impossible to be like Zoff and I’m flattered to now be close to him.
The values of sport are fundamental, my father always told me that football is ephemeral, it marks part of life, but there will be another part.
The titles, the saves, everything passes. That’s why I prefer to be remembered as a level-headed person and a good teammate.
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The 39-year-old Reina, who is contracted to Lazio until next year in 2022, is coach Sarri’s number one choice this season, relegating Albanian shot-stopper Thomas Strakosha to the bench.
Reina won the Scopigno-Pulici award yesterday following his debut season in Rome under previous coach Simone Inzaghi.
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In that campaign, the Spaniard made 29 Serie A appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 41 goals in that time.
The former Liverpool and Napoli man is well versed in Sarri’s system, having previously played under him with the Partenopei earlier in his career.
