Lazio full back Elseid Hysaj believes that the team have grown a lot compared to the start of the season.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 27-year-old Albanian full back first commented on the team’s development under coach Maurizio Sarri so far this campaign.
We have improved compared to the past few months. It takes time to absorb the coach’s teachings. We have to be orderly on the field.
We have to think about not conceding goals, because this is a team that sooner or later scores a goal. To play high with the defence in the midfield you have to be perfect and not make mistakes.
It takes time, but we have improved, in some games it’s happened though. Then we conceded four, that’s not good. We have to be tight, communicate and cover better.
Hysaj discussed his role in the Lazio squad under Sarri.
I’m right-footed, on the left it’s more difficult.
Being a centre back isn’t not my role, if I have to play it though I’ll try to do the best I can.
He spoke about the two goalkeepers in the squad, Thomas Strakosha and Pepe Reina.
We have two level goalkeepers, one has a lot of experience, the other is growing.
It makes no difference who plays, we trust both of them.
Finally, Hysaj gave his thoughts on Biancocelesti star and talisman Ciro Immobile.
Immobile is a worry for everyone.
I used to play against him, he’s a nuisance, he always scores, having him on the team is one more thing, I think more and more that he’s one of the strongest around right now.
The 27-year-old Hysaj, who is contracted to Lazio until 2025, has made 19 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 1620 minutes. In that time, he has scored one goal and performed consistently well as the left back in Sarri’s squad.
The winner of tonight’s match between Lazio and Galatasaray will finish top of Group E, qualifying them to the Round of 16. The loser will finish second, and have to play in a playoff against a third-placed Champions League team.