Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri is prepared for a tough clash against Porto this evening, doing without star striker Ciro Immobile.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 63-year-old Italian coach first discussed the Europa League’s rules and the removal of the away goal rule.
You know what I think, it will bring a lot of extra games, it’s questionable. The away goal could be anachronistic, but we need a way to not dilate these games to 65/70 hours from the next one.
The Lazio coach then discussed star striker Ciro Immobile, who is currently suffering from flu-like symptoms.
We’ll play with 11 players in all cases, we managed well before the break and we’ll do it without fuss.
Udinese? Let’s see if he starts working, if he’s fit and if we can take him to Udine. He won’t be at his best, but we can use 80% of him.
Sarri spoke about the strengths of this evening’s opponents Porto.
They are a very strong team with very high technical values, organised, good players and very young players with extraordinary qualities. It is useless to talk a lot, 19 victories out of 22 games and 3 draws.
They have only lost 3 games and 2 to Liverpool. The strength is all in the numbers and seeing it they are confirmed. The concern is there.
The 63-year-old Italian coach commented on the team’s progress and his adaptions to the squad.
I always expect a team that enters with the right mentality, but it is difficult to get into the head, even the unconscious one, of a squad.
I once coached a team and we lost the first Champions League game. The next day I was furious, but two players said to me: ‘Coach, you know we’re only here for the league’. That’s to say that it’s not easy to come in and understand a squad.
Finally, Sarri touched on how demanding it is to compete in the Europa League.
It’s a demanding competition, not easy. You finish the game at 11pm on Thursday and there’s no chance of playing on Monday. Logistically demanding transfers.
Chelsea were strong for this stage, it was easier. Here we want to be in it well. There may be teams stronger than us, but we want to do well.
Porto will certainly prove to be tough opponents for Lazio this evening. They currently sit top of the Primeira Liga after 22 games, six points clear of second place Sporting. They have not lost a league match all campaign, winning 19 matches and drawing three.
