“Cloudy Future” – Sarri Explains ‘Sad’ Lazio Performance, Gives Concerning Maldini Update

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri admitted that his team lacked energy and conviction in the away defeat to Torino.

Lazio Soundly Beaten by Torino

The Biancocelesti extended their winless run in Serie A to four after conceding a goal in each half courtesy of Giovanni Simeone and Zapata, as The Granata returned to winning ways on Roberto D’Avarsa’s managerial debut.

Maurizio Sarri Discusses Flat Lazio Performance

In his post-match interviews (via Il Messaggero), Sarri tried to explain the hollow display, believing that his players weren’t focused enough, as they were perhaps distracted by Wednesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Atalanta. The 67-year-old was particularly disappointed with his team in the defensive phase.

I said on the eve of the match that if we went out there thinking about the next game, we would be dead today. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. We were flat, the mental energy was in the opponents’ favor. Defensively we were soft and passive; all the second balls were theirs.

The lack of defensive solidity is something new for us; we mismanaged our mental energy. We have often delivered acceptable performances at the back. We have to accept this defeat but not turn it into a drama, because we play again in 72 hours. We clearly lost due to lower motivation compared to our rivals.

Lazio Players See a ‘Cloudy’ Future

Sarri then admitted that Lazio players have a bleak view of the club’s future amid all the turbulence involving the club president and the ongoing fan protest.

Everyone who takes the field sees a cloudy future, and that can drain enthusiasm during a match. But if you want excuses, I can give you a hundred. The reality is we can’t have any. Today, unfortunately, we were drained. We need to examine our conscience.

Player Ratings: Torino 2-0 Lazio: Aquile Never Recover From Pellegrini’s Howler

Sarri Defends Lazio Formation

The Lazio manager is convinced that the poor display has nothing to do with his tactical formation, as the issue lies elsewhere.

This team has always shown up, even in Cagliari. Today was different — a sad team without energy. When you don’t win the loose balls, it’s pointless talking about formations. That’s the reality; there’s no point making excuses.

Daniel Maldini Suffered an Injury?

Finally, Sarri offered a concerning update on Daniel Maldini, revealing that the attacker wasn’t left behind due to muscle fatigue, but he may be suffering a more serious issue.

In recent days, they (Toma Basic and Mario Gila) wouldn’t have been available; we’ll see how they are on Tuesday. Daniel Maldini doesn’t have simple fatigue, he has a knee tendinopathy. Honestly, I can’t say.