REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Luis Alberto of SS Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on January 15, 2023 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Luis Alberto: ‘Too Much Talk About My Relationship With Sarri’

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Luis Alberto of SS Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on January 15, 2023 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Luis Alberto opened up about Lazio’s recent boost in confidence, his memories of facing Milan and the talk surrounding his relationship with Maurizio Sarri.

The 30-year-old Spaniard never has a quiet time in the Italian capital and this season has been no different, with regular reports detailing his frustrations with Sarri, unhappiness at his reduced role in the squad and various Spanish clubs keen to bring him back to the Iberian peninsula.

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Despite all the noise, Luis Alberto has remained professional and hard-working, performing well when deployed and regaining his spot in the starting lineup.

Speaking in the matchday programme (via LazioNews24) ahead of Lazio’s clash with Milan, Luis Alberto first discussed the team’s recent confidence boost.

A lot of confidence, especially because we were coming from the matches against Lecce and Empoli, which we played well but didn’t manage to bring home.

Now we have to continue like this, always aiming for the maximum in every match, until the end.

He touched on the difficulties Lazio will face against defending champions Milan.

It will be tough because we’re talking about the Italian champions. I expect a tough game against a very strong team, but if we face them with the same attitude we’ve shown in the last two games, I’m sure we’ll do a great job.

The 30-year-old underlined his frustration with the rumours surrounding him and coach Sarri.

There’s too much talk about my relationship with the coach, I just think about doing my job every day to the best of my ability, staying focused and with a clear head to help the team win as many games as possible.

Luis Alberto remembered a goal he scored against Milan in 2017 and other memories of the Rossoneri.

I remember very well the goal in the 4-1 win in 2017, it was the first one scored at home with Lazio.

Against Milan I also played good games at San Siro, I have several good memories. I hope to return to scoring as early as Tuesday, maybe a goal that will give us the win.

Finally, Luis Alberto commented on the fact that the Milan game will be his 240th appearance for Lazio and his future goals with the club.

I haven’t kept count, I don’t often look at numbers and statistics. I’m very happy to wear this shirt and to have the chance to play. At this point, however, the next figures I will put in my sights will be 250 and… 300!

Tags AC Milan Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Lazio vs Milan Luis Alberto Maurizio Sarri Milan vs Lazio Rome Sarri Serie A