Paolo Di Canio expressed his doubts and concerns ahead of Lazio’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, feeling that ‘the defects have emerged’.
The Biancocelesti have not managed to impress in the early stages of this season, suffering three losses in their opening four matches. The team’s only morsel of joy came from an unexpected 2-1 win away to Napoli, a result that can be used to build some confidence amongst the squad.
Lazio will face Atletico Madrid in their first Champions League group match, a key game that could ultimately decide the fate of a group containing Feyenoord and Celtic.
Speaking to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Di Canio first underlined his concerns and frustrations following Lazio’s poor start to the season.
My love for Lazio is undisputed. Tonight will be a tough but open challenge. The defects in Lazio have emerged, that the skill of Sarri had previously covered up.
He managed to get 120% from a team that were worth less, he is a great teacher, not a motivator.
Lazio have given up, they’re no longer there mentally. Casale and Romagnoli no longer attack the man. Either the attitude changes, or Lazio sink.
The former Lazio forward then touched on Ciro Immobile’s struggles in finding the back of the net and the team’s work in the summer transfer window.
This is a problem underestimated by the coach and the club. Castellanos played a few games in La Liga, they needed a ready centre-forward.
Guendouzi was a phenomenon at Arsenal, but he’s not a Gattuso. The attitudes of some players in Turin should’ve been seen in the bar, not on a football pitch.
