Roberto D’Aversa took ‘full responsibility’ for the 3-1 home defeat to Lazio, acknowledging his Sampdoria career is in doubt.
There were already reports before this game that D’Aversa was hanging by a thread, so the dismal first half performance that saw them 3-0 down and jeered off the pitch by fans won’t have helped.
Serie A | Sampdoria 1-3 Lazio: Immobile makes short work of Samp
They did fight back after the restart, scoring with Manolo Gabbiadini and forcing several saves with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic sent off, but it felt more because Lazio had switched off.
“The first half was awful. We received three slaps in the face and I take full responsibility for what happened in the first half,” D’Aversa told DAZN.
“The team played with dignity after the break, but unfortunately what happened in the first half compromised the game beyond repair.”
The coach made a triple substitution at half-time and that did spark a fightback, with Rade Dragusin’s header and an Albin Ekdal strike going close.
“Dragusin gave physicality and charisma to the defence, all those who came on did well, but I want to reiterate it is my responsibility.
“Omar Colley was suspended, so it was the first time Alex Ferrari and Julian Chabot were playing together, but as I said, it’s my responsibility. We didn’t play with dignity in the first half and the second half proved we could’ve done better, which only increases our regret.”
In the week leading up to the Derby della Lanterna with Genoa, reports continue to suggest D’Aversa is on the brink of dismissal.
“These rumours have already been circulating for a couple of months, but it’s something you need to ask the club about and not me.
“I just have to prepare for a very important game. Both clubs have to prove their credibility on the pitch.”