Following his arrival in Hamburg, Lazio coach Marco Baroni held his pre-match conference ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Dynamo Kyiv.
Loss to Fiorentina
The 60-year-old tackled several subjects, beginning with the team’s recent defeat at the hands of Fiorentina, as published by La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Defeats are always painful. We’ve done a quick analysis of what happened. There are aspects and contents which we proved to possess. We’ve created a lot between corners and shots and conceded little. We need to be more aggressive and concrete in front of goal while also improving in defense.
Season Objectives
The former Hellas Verona coach insists the Europa League is an important objective for his team, but at the same time considers it an opportunity to give playing time for those struggling for minutes in Serie A.
It’s obviously an opportunity for those who have played a little less. I consider everyone to be a starter, there will be maximum contribution from both the team and the individuals. I’m sure of it.
I take things step by step. We have an important opponent in front of us, but this competition is a real objective. It’s not a distraction, but an opportunity for the young guys and also for the less young ones. These are competitions that give you depth, so it’s a welcome addition to our schedule.
Mandas or Provedel?
Baroni revealed Ivan Provedel will start in goal once more, even though Christos Mandas remains an important asset for the team.
I’ve already discussed this matter recently. The goalkeeper’s role is particular. Mandas is an asset for the club, he’s young and is doing well and will have opportunities. But tomorrow, Provedel will start.
The Latest on Taty Castellanos
The Lazio boss then tackled the striker dilemma as Taty Castellanos remains not fully fit.
Taty is fundamental for us. He would like to be on the pitch, we spoke this morning. He is doing better, but he hasn’t trained for five days. He’s available though, so we’ll see during the game.
I have to think about his replacement. Noslin did well in Florence, his movement was good, but just missed a goal. He is improving with every game and every training session. He can cover all the roles in the final third. The great thing about these guys is that they are free and don’t have any restrictions to play on the flanks or in the center.
Words on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Finally, Baroni revealed that Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could get an opportunity to start tomorrow, and the same goes for fellow new signing Loum Tchaouna.
Dele Bashiru still needs to be built as player. He has important qualities, a modern player with strength, running and technique. He needs to be immersed into our midfield. He can play either as a central midfielder or behind the striker. He is working well in training. He has already played and tomorrow he could start.
Tchaouna is slowly finding his feet. He has pace, dynamism and shooting skills. He needs to stay calm and take the same path as Gustav [Isaksen] who did well in Florence. They need to stay calm and free themselves from the pressure.