Toma Basic discussed his limited impact at Lazio this season and the difficulty of facing Sturm Graz.
The 25-year-old Croatian midfielder featured consistently in the pre-season under Maurizio Sarri, where he seemingly impressed, but he has hardly featured since the start of the campaign, making only two Serie A starts. Basic has only played 157 minutes of action across all competitions and has slipped down Sarri’s hierarchies.
Speaking in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Basic first discussed how he’s experienced the last few months.
I think this season started well, then things changed quickly. Football is like that, things change quickly. I hope I can prove a lot in this Lazio, I’m waiting for my moment. I know it will change, it’s difficult now for me.
He commented on tonight’s Europa League clash against Sturm Graz.
It’s a difficult game, a good level. Aggressive team, they run a lot, we know what we have to do. We play often, but the aspect is only mental. We are ready and I hope we will win.
The 25-year-old touched on his mood amid the difficulties this season.
What is happening right now is similar to what I felt at Bordeaux and Hajduk. I read what’s in the papers. I only think about my future at Lazio.
Basic spoke about if he expected to have such a limited involvement this season.
It was a very good pre-season. I was hoping to play more, but this is football, things change quickly. I’m still trying to understand what happened, but I’m calm because my future is at Lazio.
I want to work here and stay here for a long time. I know everything will go well. We play very good football, I hope we will continue like this.
Finally, Basic spoke about how he can help the team.
I can help in all aspects, both offensively and defensively. As the coach said, I have to improve in the aspect of personality.
The 25-year-old Basic has made 44 appearances across all competitions for Lazio since his arrival last year, scoring one goal and providing two assists in that time.