Lazio winger Felipe Anderson highlighted his growth under coach Maurizio Sarri ahead of tomorrow’s game against Bologna.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 28-year-old Brazilian winger first touched on which of Sarri’s previous players that he’d like to imitate in order to grow.
There are many that he coached and from whom I can learn the movements.
There are many aspects of the team that he coached, I can learn from the wingers he had and who did very well with him.
Working every day I’m sure we’ll be able to play our game, understanding what he wants and making our own way.
He commented on his growth so far this season under the Lazio coach.
I’ve always wanted to work on consistency in individual games, something I’m slowly seeing in the last few games.
There has been a physical growth, I have to be attentive in the 90 minutes, always available for the whole time and not for some moments of the game.
Felipe Anderson discussed how difficult tomorrow’s game against Bologna will be without star striker Ciro Immobile.
Not having Ciro is difficult because we know that he is a certainty, he always scores goals, he always gives us depth, we have to be good at understanding that whoever will play up front will have to try to make these movements.
Then everyone has their own way of playing. He stretches the opposing team, it will certainly be difficult without him. But we have strong players, those who play will do so with a mentality.
He touched on if he is dreaming of returning to the Brazilian national team.
Everyone’s dream is to play for the national team, I’m sure that if I do well at Lazio I’ll have other chances on the national team.
But in my head I’m at my best with Lazio.
The 28-year-old Brazilian winger spoke about how his mindset has changed in the Biancocelesti environment this season.
Individuals can make the difference, but I always think as a team. When it’s compact and well, everyone can excel individually.
What the staff gives me, helping me to understand what I can do better, is fundamental in this positive start. The team helps me and gives me support at the back.
The Lazio winger commented on if this game against Bologna will be the moment the team proves their consistency.
Everyone knows I’ve always expressed my feelings for Italy, Lazio and the city. I’ve kept in touch, I have many friends here, I’m happy to have this opportunity again, to be more mature, to find continuity.
With work and awareness, everyone can give a little bit more, I’m sure that consistency will come.
I think about teams, I think about playing well and winning, then I can certainly play well.
Felipe Anderson discussed the criticism of him that he’s inconsistent and if he has been criticised too much.
I understand they want to talk about this, everyone has been close to me since I was young. They always told me that I could make a difference, they created pressure on me, I learned to handle the pressure on myself.
Now I’m seeing the results, I have not yet arrived at what I want, but I’m on the right track to do even better.
Finally, Felipe Anderson spoke about if this Lazio was stronger than the one he left three years ago, why he left the club and the growth of his teammates.
The team I left was strong, I liked playing with the guys, we had a lot of quality and strong players. Now many have grown, new players have arrived, the mentality and motivation are stronger, no one is satisfied, the team is stronger but we have to prove it.
Positive results will give us serenity and the certainty of doing well. Life is made of cycles, of moments in which one makes choices.
We made a choice together, in that moment it was right to make a change and try a new career experience. It was the perfect time to do it. But it’s in the past.
