Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri did not want to talk about the disappointing January transfer window ahead of tonight’s match against Fiorentina.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 63-year-old Italian coach first discussed the Biancocelesti’s growth defensively this campaign.
Tomorrow we’ll measure ourselves in this aspect, according to the statistics 81 chances in 10 games.
Let’s see if we’ve grown, the team has a better defensive line, they’re tighter and more compact. A difficult test.
The Lazio coach does not feel the pressure currently, believing the team to be in a decent position.
No, in the last 12 games we’ve lost to Sassuolo and Inter, our performances are improving. I don’t consider it delicate.
Sarri spoke about last month’s disappointing transfer window and how it cannot be used as an excuse.
I’ll save you the trouble of asking, you made the point. The transfer market is over, stop. It’s useless to talk about it, any discussion can turn against the team, so there’s nothing more to say.
We have to do better with these players, that possibility is there. At this moment the team I would keep out of excuses and history, the transfer market is closed and we must do better.
The former Napoli and Chelsea coach highlighted that the team are in a good mood currently. The players and coach went out for lunch together earlier this week.
It was something we had been told to do for some time, a barbecue idea, it wasn’t possible, so we went out for lunch.
The mood is good, as far as serenity in the group is concerned I think it’s a good moment.
Sarri spoke about new signing Jovane Cabral, who arrived on transfer deadline day from Sporting.
Let’s see what he can give us. I have followed him very little, to be honest, but the staff have followed him. At the moment he is physically behind, he had an injury lasting 45 days.
We’ve tried him out in the last few days as a winger, then we’ll see if he can play as a forward. But Felipe Anderson, with his characteristics, can also play as a centre forward.
The 63-year-old Italian coach touched on his relationship with club president Claudio Lotito. Recent reports suggested that Sarri is furious following last month’s transfer window.
Yes, two or three days ago we spoke. It’s a very direct relationship. I tell him what I think and he does the same. Am I unhappy? I don’t fall into traps, I’m 63 years old.
He looked ahead to the Biancocelesti’s incredible busy schedule, where they’ll play seven games in 22 days.
Now we’re thinking about Fiorentina, then we’ll think about the others. Tomorrow will be very difficult, the performance of the Viola speaks for itself.
You have to be very concentrated, they approach matches in a maximum and violent way.
The Lazio coach provided an update on Francesco Acerbi and Stefan Radu.
Acerbi is still working alone, I think he could be back with us in a few days, but I’m not sure until the next check-up on Tuesday or Wednesday. Radu is quite well, he’s in line with the last period.
He revealed that Dimitrije Kamenovic is currently dealing with an issue following his registration to the squad.
He has to solve bureaucratic problems, he’s not with us at the moment.
Finally, Sarri discussed midfielder Toma Basic, who was robbed at gunpoint in Rome following the team’s lunch.
I saw him and he was as pale as a sheet! He was a bit shaken up by the incident, but that’s normal, he had a gun pointed at him. He was already calm on the pitch today.
