Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas acknowledged he could have done better on Napoli’s equalizer in the Coppa Italia clash.
Tijjani Noslin’s Big Night
The 23-year-old got the nod between the sticks as Marco Baroni decided to rotate his lineup for the cup tie. Tijjani Noslin gave the hosts the lead at the Stadio Olimpico, but Mandas’ save on David Neres’ shot allowed Giovanni Simeone to score the equalizer. Nevertheless, this blunder didn’t prove too costly, as Noslin bagged another two goals to put the Biancocelesti through.
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Mistake vs Napoli
But even though the Aquile advanced to the quarter-finals anyway, Mandas still admitted he should have done better when parrying away Neres’ effort in his press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).
I could have saved Neres’ shot better. I saw the ball at the very last moment. Starting tomorrow, I’ll work on it with the goalkeeping coach. I know I can do more. This is the life of a goalkeeper.
Mandas Happy at Lazio
The Greece international insists he’s happy at Lazio, even though he’s playing second-fiddle.
I’m happy here. It’s thanks to my teammates too that I’m always calm on the pitch. They make me feel more confident. I’m always ready to play. I want to continue on this path to help the team.
Rapport with Ivan Provedel
On another note, Mandas revealed that he and his colleague Ivan Provedel share a great rapport despite competing for the same role.
I have a great relationship with Ivan. He helps me and I help him. [Lazio’s third goalkeeper] Furlanetto is also a good guy, he always speaks well and is always shows up in a good spirit. He helps us a lot too.
Premier League Interest
Mandas arrived at Lazio in the summer of 2023, completing a transfer from OFI Crete. Last season, he managed to impress when filling in for the injured Provedel in the final months of the season, earning himself interest from Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Leicester City.
