Maurizio Sarri looked for the positives following Lazio’s tough 2-1 loss to Inter last night.
Speaking first in an interview with Italian broadcaster DAZN (via LazioNews24) after the game, the 63-year-old Italian coach analysed the performance in the defeat to the Nerazzurri.
We played a good game until the end, staying in the game and looking for the draw. This was an open game, without any kind of fear.
We didn’t see much difference on the pitch, except for a few flashes. Today we showed good solidity. Let’s hope we can continue in that respect.
The Lazio coach touched on his team’s defensive issues this season.
We need to be more consistent. We have great quality up front, but lately we’ve lacked defensive compactness.
After a few steps forward, the Empoli game took away our confidence. But today I saw those steps forward again.
Sarri wasn’t particularly keen to discuss the January transfer market.
I don’t know what could happen. We’re blocked by the liquidity index, I don’t even understand what the f*ck that is, but the club knows what’s needed.
For what I have in mind we need something more, also in terms of numbers. We need to start intervening, but one market session is not enough. Many players are not suited to playing like this.
He commented on his work in trying to deploy the most quality possible.
I’d like to play quality players all together, but there are risks. Obviously a solution has to be found and we’re working on it.
Sarri then discussed the positives of the 2-1 loss to Inter when speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference.
We played a good game against a very strong team. At times, our opponents didn’t look very strong, but it’s a credit to us that we played a very solid game and always stayed in the game.
We still regret the result, but I think we took another small step forward.
The 63-year-old Italian coach commented on his objectives for this season.
My objective is to always put the best players on the pitch. I don’t think fourth place is an absolute must. We’ve always talked to the club about rebuilding and rejuvenating the squad.
We’d also like to get results as we go along, but the aim is still to make a change. Then, if the performances are like tonight’s, I think we can be part of the fight for a place in Europe.
Finally, Sarri discussed the team’s growth in recent weeks.
We’re growing in terms of what I’m asking for, sometimes we succeed, sometimes not.
With Empoli we put in a great performance with some mistakes, but today we played as a real team. My objective is to create a solid team with quality play.
Lazio’s loss means that they still sit 8th in the Serie A table after 21 games, tied on points with Fiorentina and Roma. Their next match is against bottom place Salernitana later this week.
