Sinisa Mihajlovic said Felipe Anderson “looked like Cristiano Ronaldo tonight” and Lazio deserved to beat Sampdoria.
The Blucerchiati had previously lost only one Serie A game all season, 1-0 at Inter in October, and hadn’t conceded three in a single match.
“For the first time today we were not the real Samp,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-0 defeat.
Sinisa Mihajlovic said Felipe Anderson “looked like Cristiano Ronaldo tonight” and Lazio deserved to beat Sampdoria.
The Blucerchiati had previously lost only one Serie A game all season, 1-0 at Inter in October, and hadn’t conceded three in a single match.
“For the first time today we were not the real Samp,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-0 defeat.
“We were not aggressive enough. In the first 20-30 minutes it was balanced, but we didn’t make the most of counter-attacks, misplaced really easy passes, plus conceded two goals in four minutes.
“Felipe Anderson looked like Cristiano Ronaldo tonight! He was the only one who created real problems, he changed the game and was man of the match by a mile.
“How would I have dealt with him? I’d have given him a few kicks, certainly! Mind you, to do that you’ve got to catch him.
“Without doubt Lazio were better on the night. It’s also true that on the night Sampdoria did not play well and deserved the defeat due to a lack of determination. It’s a lesson we must learn going into the next game.
“The players know our results so far have been extraordinary, because the teams below us are built for Champions League places. If we play like Samp with great intensity, then we can compete with anyone. If we don’t, then we become a ‘normal’ side that belongs in seventh, eighth or even tenth place.
“We therefore have to analyse the match and learn from mistakes, but not make a drama out of it. We have done well in every game except this one.
“It can happen to get one match wrong. If we lose, it’s better against Lazio than any other club,” smiled the ex-Biancocelesti star.
“I can only hope it is a one-off, because two performances like this would definitely become a problem.”
Samp were also distracted by the transfer market, as Manolo Gabbiadini completed his move to Napoli today.
“We have three or four players who, due to the transfer market, have their minds elsewhere. I didn’t want to risk them and me looking bad. I can only hope the market ends as soon as possible.”
Pedro Obiang was substituted and vented his fury by kicking a water cooler on the touchline.
“I am happy that he is angry with the team’s performance and not the substitution. It’s pointless being angry afterwards, as you need to use that fire on the field, but it’s a natural reaction,” added Mihajlovic.