Milinkovic-Savic Underlines Lazio’s UEL Ambitions Ahead of Match vs Lokomotiv Moscow

Empoli FC v SS Lazio - Serie A Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli and Lazio at Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Italy on 21 August 2021. Empoli Florence Italy maffia-empolifc210821_npTUt PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xGiuseppexMaffiax

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic underlined the squad’s mentality heading into tomorrow’s match against Lokomotiv Moscow.

Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 26-year-old Serbian midfielder first discussed what the squad will need to repeat in tomorrow’s game.

We arrived differently, there are many players who know what it meant and how it should be prepared for. 

We need the same mentality and to prepare for the next games in the same way.

He spoke about his emotions after scoring the opening goal in the 3-2 derby win against Roma on Sunday.

I didn’t know I’d scored, it was Adam who told me afterwards, I was down after the knock. My teammates gave me a few slaps and helped me come back as soon as possible. 

It was great to score, it’s a shame I couldn’t celebrate.

The Lazio midfielder touched on the team’s spirit heading into the Europa League this season.

Last year we made the Champions League, unfortunately we’re in the Europa League. The coach won it, we’ll try another time. 

We have motivation, we’ll try to go as far as possible. 

Milinkovic-Savic spoke about what advice he would give to goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

We’ve been here together for many years, we’re close friends, he knows everything. 

Different role, if he finds space he’ll do the best he can. 

He touched on his thoughts about Lokomotiv Moscow coach Marko Nikolic.

I spent very little time with him, I had been there for six months. I was very young, I came from the Primavera, I was there a short time.

I made my debut on 3-0 for the opponent, I don’t remember these good things.

The 26-year-old Serbian midfielder discussed if he was a leader now in the squad.

I feel good here, in my seventh year, there are many who’ve been here for a long time.

We are a good group, close friends, this will help us to get results.

The Lazio midfielder remembered the Biancocelesti’s Europa League quarter-final loss to RB Salzburg in the 2017/18 season.

Too bad about that year, we went out, we were a good team, we had done well in Europe. A reason to get there and beyond. 

We lost the first one, there are five other games in the group. We’ll do everything we can to make it all the way.

Finally, Milinkovic-Savic commented on how important he feels for Lazio.

I’m happy, I’ve been here for many years, I have the armband after Ciro, I’m fine. 

Every year there is a lot of talk about me in the summer, but I don’t think about those things, I try to do well in the game and help the team. 

Then after the season we talk and see the good things to do.

Tags Biancocelesti Europa League Italy Lazio lazio vs lokomotiv moscow Lokomotiv Moscow lokomotiv moscow vs lazio Milinkovic-Savic Rome Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Serie A