Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was feeling positive heading into the Christmas break after yesterday’s 3-1 win over Venezia.
Speaking first in an interview with Italian broadcaster DAZN (via LazioNews24) after the game, the 62-year-old Italian coach first analysed the win over the Veneto side.
Especially in the first half the team was very close to my ideas, excellent dribbling.
It was a shame to end the first half with a draw, then we did well to go ahead again.
The Lazio coach touched on the team’s leaky defence this season.
I’m worried about the goals we’ve conceded, even though we’ve conceded less in recent games, which means we’re getting solid again.
Sarri touched on the team’s growth after the first half of the season.
We are at a point where there are games where we take one step backwards and two forwards, a troubled path.
Although in the last few outings the steps backwards seem to be fewer and therefore we are on the right path.
He commented on what objectives have been set for next month’s transfer window.
We only talked about rebuilding and trying to rejuvenate the squad, knowing that this year it would not be easy.
We didn’t ask for any specific targets.
Sarri confirmed that he is ready to sign his contract renewal with the club.
If the documents arrive, I’ll sign them. I have to hear from my lawyer.
Sarri then analysed the win over Venezia in an interview with Lazio Style Radio.
Today was a difficult game against a team that wasn’t easy. In the first half we did very well, with a performance very close to my ideas, and I’m sorry it ended in a draw.
In the second half we did well to take the lead again and we struggled at the end because we ran out of substitutes. However, I think we led well.
He commented on the physical condition of defender Francesco Acerbi.
Acerbi has to undergo tests, probably the day after tomorrow.
There are fears of a small muscle injury, but we’ll see.
The 62-year-old Italian coach discussed the team’s progress this season.
The path of this first half of the season has been tormented and not at all linear. We have alternated great games and bad ones. Now you get the feeling we’re making fewer mistakes in games. After Napoli we had some consistency.
Losing in Sassuolo was not surprising. We still don’t have the fluidity I’d like to see, but gradually we’re finding solidity. However, there are positive aspects to these months and I think this team can grow well and quickly.
The former Napoli coach touched on the team’s willpower and strength of character in the match.
In the second half we showed determination, character and desire to win. Very often we could have dribbled more and not always looked for the goal.
In the first half there were fewer spaces, but we played good dribbling. We didn’t let them break away as much. In the second half, however, I liked the guys’ great desire.
Sarri then analysed the win when speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference.
We played a very good first half, where we only lacked the last pass. We didn’t risk much against a dangerous team that knows how to attack deep, it’s no coincidence that top teams lost to Venezia in Venice. I was sorry to end the first half with a draw.
In the second half we dribbled less, because we took the game away from them. We should have kept the pace down, then at the end, after Acerbi’s injury, we did well to keep up our character.
So far it’s been a difficult journey, between victories and disastrous falls. Now we seem to be growing, especially in fast passing, as I like it.
Finally, Sarri confirmed that he did not argue with Luis Alberto or Sergej Milinkovic-Savic recently, despite recent rumours.
I only argued with him once, four months ago. In recent days I’ve read fake news about an alleged argument I had with Milinkovic-Savic, but that’s not true.
In this first part of the season we’ve had few weeks of full training, unfortunately this is modern football. Ours is linked to exits, we’ll see.
