Manuel Lazzari took over for Maurizio Sarri in the pre-match press conference against Genoa, discussing Lazio’s Champions League success and their efforts to find domestic consistency.
The Biancocelesti secured a vital 2-0 win over Celtic on Tuesday evening, a result that guarantees their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Winning their last game against Atletico Madrid would put them top of their group, giving them a slightly more favourable draw in the next round.
Lazio are now able to return focus to the league, where they’ve been plagued by poor form and inconsistency. Sarri’s side currently sit 11th in the table, seven points behind fourth place Napoli.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Lazzari first reflected on Lazio’s Champions League win over Celtic.
“We hope it leaves us with a lot of energy and adrenaline to immediately throw ourselves back into the league, where we are late. We don’t know why we play great matches in the Champions League and not in the league.
“It’s the opposite of last year. However, progression to the next round in Europe is never a given and is important, but tomorrow against Cagliari it will be in or out. We must give a strong and definitive signal.”
He was asked about his adaption from a wing back to a full back.
“I spent my entire career as a wing back until Sarri arrived. Then I had to adapt, especially in the first two years. It’s another role, another football. This year I feel much better, and I also think it shows. I think more about defending than attacking, that’s what the coach wants.
“I have much more space to attack but I often arrive less focused at the end because the distance to cover is greater. I try to be concentrated for 90 minutes, being a defender is not like being a midfielder or attacker.
“If you make a mistake, it’s a problem. I turned 30 but you never stop learning. Until three years ago I would never have thought of being a full-back, now I’m very happy to have done it.”
The 30-year-old touched on how this helps for the Italy national team.
“Every player’s dream is the national team, perhaps being in the squad for a European Championship or World Cup. It’s a dream, but there is a lot of competition, there are many strong full backs. Only by doing well with Lazio will I be able to have any chance for the national team.”
Lazzari reflected on how it felt to rise up and fall down Sarri’s hierarchies at Lazio.
“When a player doesn’t play, he loses a bit of confidence, he’s less happy, but I’ve grown a lot mentally in these three years.
“The season is long, there are periods when you are better and others when you are worse. The important thing is to always train as best as you can and take the opportunities you have.”
He spoke about what’s changed since the departure of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
“With Sergej, we had known each other for five years, everything was simple, just one look was enough to understand each other on the pitch. Lazio lost a great player, he made the difference, but many other players have arrived who can become like him.
“Guendouzi is really strong, he is different from Sergej, but he is fitting in very well. Lazio made a great deal for him. With Isaksen we got on well against Celtic, we are happy with how he played. Let’s hope that now he will make a difference in the league too.”
Lazzari was asked if Lazio felt stronger following their second-place finish last season.
“No, I don’t think so. Last year we had a great season, but we certainly didn’t lack humility. It may seem that we lack malice and personality, as in Salerno. The league remains our priority and we need to make a change as soon as possible, we need to wake up.”
He spoke about the adaptation of the new signings.
“It’s normal that they need time. Especially those arriving from abroad, unlike Rovella for example. Sarri asks for certain things, all it takes is one person who doesn’t do them and it all blows over. They need time and patience.”
Finally, Lazzari discussed Ciro Immobile and how things change when Valentin Castellanos plays.
“I always see Ciro very calm and happy, the mood after Celtic was very high. He is confident. He has received a lot of criticism, but he is fine. He is a very strong man, both physically and mentally, he is good at looking ahead and focusing only on the pitch.
“Ciro is better at going deep, Taty comes forward more to make the team play. They are both great value, we are lucky to have them. Based on the match, the coach will decide who will play.”
Spoiler alert: Lazio not great in either competition.