Maurizio Sarri was in high spirits after Lazio’s strong 4-2 win over Feyenoord but drew attention to the team’s failure to keep a clean sheet.
The Biancocelesti were on fire in the first half of yesterday’s Europa League opener, going 3-0 up after only 30 minutes, leaving the Eredivisie outfit exasperated. Lazio tried to carry this momentum into the second half but a drop in focus in the last 25 minutes allowed Feyenoord to claw two goals back.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sarri first reacted to Lazio’s 4-2 win over Feyenoord.
I’m feeling good, great determination and approach to the match, very focused in waiting for the right moment and the right space to attack. The opposition had little dangerousness.
At a European level we can’t joke around, we can’t mess about for 20 minutes and we actually gave up two goals that could prove important for the goal difference.
He commented on his decision not to start Marcos Antonio in the match.
I was going to start Marcos Antonio but then Marusic and Romagnoli asked me to reconsider. I didn’t think I should play him in a role where he’s the only alternative too often, I think I was probably risking too much.
It’s clear that if he plays then the midfield must be build in a certain way. He has quality and technique but poor physicality, so choices must be made in relation to that.
The Lazio coach provided an update on the physical condition of Spanish veteran Pedro.
We’ll see if he’s able to train with the squad and if so he’ll be ready for a part of the game.
If he doesn’t train I think it’s tough. He told me in the morning that he’s feeling better.
Sarri spoke about the opposition Feyenoord and why they fell behind so quickly.
Their level is a surprise, it’s clear that I saw them play at a higher level in the second half than in the first, but consider also that evenings in Rome are so hot that maybe they weren’t ready for it.
Maybe that also cost them, but we did well regardless.
Finally, Sarri again reflected on the Marcos Antonio decision and the performance of Spanish defender Mario Gila.
If I find a good fit I think he’ll play, otherwise not.
Gila had a great performance except for a drop at the end, but the whole team was dropping.
