Maurizio Sarri commented on the difficulties of losing Ciro Immobile to injury and what solutions Lazio have.
The Biancocelesti star was forced off in the 29th minute of the 0-0 draw with Udinese yesterday, seemingly suffering a hamstring injury. Losing Immobile is a serious blow for Lazio, who have struggled to secure positive results with their talismanic striker.
Speaking in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sarri first discussed the injury to Immobile.
Having a back up to Immobile who has similar numbers to his is tough. When players like that are missing it’s clear that there is always a minimum of repercussion. Let’s make sure it’s as little as possible. It will be a heavy absence.
He highlighted his happiness with the team’s defensive solidity.
I think defensive solidity comes from attitude. To win against us you really have to beat us, the team is tough, they’re aggressive on loose balls and lost balls.
I’m very happy with the players. At the third game in six days Udinese is the worst opponent to meet. I’m pleased with the attitude and that they change centre-backs with similar results.
The Lazio coach spoke about the seriousness of Immobile’s injury.
Let’s wait, I think it’s a smaller injury than you think. Sometimes you talk to a player, he tells you it’s broken, and then it’s a first-degree injury and vice versa. When you talk about a muscle injury, until the instrumental examination, it’s difficult to make an idea.
Sarri commented on the fact that Lazio didn’t sign a backup striker this summer.
We needed the back up to Immobile. If it were up to me I’d spend a billion. The market is made up of many factors, coach requests, economic budget.
He spoke about the idea of deploying Matteo Cancellieri in place of the injured Immobile.
The characteristics of Cancellieri and Immobile are different. When Ciro got injured I wanted to take the references away from their defenders. If you think Cancellieri can do what Immobile does in such a short time you are far from reality.
The Lazio coach discussed the tactics behind Matias Vecino’s more defensive positioning.
Vecino is a player who has gained experience. Today giving up physicality, also given the terrain, was difficult.
We had prepared a series of exits from the back moving the ball with the goalkeeper and after the warm-up we decided to cancel everything. It was too risky. Either they fix the ground or we change stadium.
He commented on if he was happy or had regrets after the first 10 games of the season.
When you look back you always have regrets, but they are part of the season. The points thrown to the wind were in Genoa. I am satisfied with what I see more than with the points. The team is good, bad tough, they sacrifice, they don’t give up. This is the base on which we stand.
Finally, Sarri gave his thoughts on goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.
I knew he was of an excellent level, then he’s surprising in a positive way because he’s going to important levels. Maximiano is not very well, he has a bit of bursitis in one hip so he struggles to train, so Provedel is forced to play all the time.
