Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was furious following the Europa League elimination to Porto, although he did note the positive performance.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Lazio Style Channel (via LazioNews24) after the match, the 63-year-old Italian coach first reacted to the 2-2 draw with Porto, a result which saw them knocked out of the competition.
We played a good game from all points of view, including character. We hit the post twice, the crossbar once, two goals were chalked off.
It was the first case in Europe where a dive becomes a penalty, I was behind the monitor, you cannot decide a penalty from the image, so it is always a penalty.
They are right to protest against VAR. Milinkovic-Savic’s foot never moves towards the player and the player’s leg moves towards Milinkovic-Savic, it’s a dive.
The Lazio coach touched on Luis Alberto’s reaction following the elimination and the positive support in the Stadio Olimpico.
He was sorry in the locker room, he repeated ‘I had to score’. I’m happy to have seen the Olimpico full, because the fans gave us a strong support, I’m sorry for them.
I’m satisfied though because the team has improved a lot in character. Now we’ll work on one game a week.
Sarri touched on the physical conditions of Ciro Immobile and Pedro.
Talking with Ciro, I realised that he wanted to and could do it. Pedro’s situation has evolved in the last 24 hours, because yesterday morning we were all convinced he couldn’t make it.
He looked ahead to the Biancocelesti’s next game against Napoli on the weekend.
It’s an ugly game, because both us and them come from difficult games. Whoever has the most mental and nervous energy will be at an advantage.
The Italian coach commented on the poor performance of the defence in the match.
Porto are a team with top quality and not conceding is a big deal. We made a few mistakes and it’s a shame because it was good.
Finally, Sarri discussed his decision not to play Jovane Cabral in the draw against Porto.
I kept him there in view of the extra time, yesterday I tried him on the outside, but it’s a role that yesterday created tactical difficulties for him.
Immobile, coming from a stop, could have been changed and I would have put him on in his place.
Lazio’s next match is against Scudetto hopefuls Napoli on Sunday evening, an important game if the Roman club want to stay involved in the race for a top four finish this season.
