Matteo Guendouzi explains how crucial Maurizio Sarri was in convincing him to join Lazio and shaking off the ‘bad boy’ tag from Arsenal. ‘I share Sarri’s football philosophy.’
The former Arsenal midfielder made the transfer from Olympique Marseille in the final days of the transfer window, on loan with an option to buy that could become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
“I chose Lazio first of all because it’s a big club with a lot of history, both in Italy and Europe. They won trophies in the past and I wanted to be part of a club where I could continue to grow and improve. I’d love to win something with Lazio,” he told Lazio Style Channel.
“In the various meetings I had, the club showed real interest in me and a genuine project. Having a great coach like Sarri here also pushed me to come, because along with the personal aspect, I share his football philosophy and ideas about the sport. I am sure he’ll help me to develop.”
Sarri said that Guendouzi immediately felt like a veteran in the Lazio midfield, as showed by his performance off the bench in the victory away to Napoli.
“I was given a warm welcome by the coach, the team and everyone who works at the club. They explain very clearly how I need to defend, attack and what the coach expects of me. It’s true I have only had a few training sessions, but it feels like I’ve been here for several seasons.”
Lazio have qualified for the Champions League after securing second place in Serie A last season and were placed in a group with Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord and Celtic.
“This team was built to go far and I know that I will prove myself on the pitch, especially as I share the coach’s tactical ideas. He explained how he can help me grow both as a man and a player. There are many reasons why I came to Lazio.”
Guendouzi had something of a reputation while playing for Arsenal of being a ‘bad boy’ of football, but reveals he does not like that tag.
“I don’t know why they called me that, I am a very honest person and I always want to win. It’s true I may react excessively at times with my gestures and movements, but that’s because I want to do better to help my team, so I experience things very intensely. That can be positive with joy for a goal or negative when the referee makes a mistake.”
The 24-year-old has if anything a very good disciplinary record, picking up only two red cards and 50 yellows in 258 competitive matches during his career.