Stefano Pioli says that if he wants to become 'a great Coach', it's time for him to win with Lazio.
The Biancocelesti are one of the rising powers in Serie A, having finished third last season and currently defending that same position in the standings.
“I focus a lot on interpersonal relationships, on professionalism and on trying to get my team to play well,” Pioli told Il Corriere dello Sport.
Stefano Pioli says that if he wants to become 'a great Coach', it's time for him to win with Lazio.
The Biancocelesti are one of the rising powers in Serie A, having finished third last season and currently defending that same position in the standings.
“I focus a lot on interpersonal relationships, on professionalism and on trying to get my team to play well,” Pioli told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“Great Coaches are appreciated when they begin winning something, and if I want to be considered great then I have to start winning too. That's what I'd like to do with Lazio.
“I like it here, I'm happy and proud to be the Biancocelesti Coach. The dream and the objective is to win something.
“We could have done that but we didn't, it's a shame: last year we proved we could have won the Coppa Italia.
“Winning means winning a competition, it doesn't matter which one. It would be important for our work and for what we're trying to build.
“If we can give our utmost, we'll be able to say something for ourselves in all three of the competitions. As for the standings, it's best to look at them in February.”
Pioli then discussed Lazio's rivals this year.
“Napoli were already strong last year, they have great quality. Juventus, Roma, Napoli and perhaps Inter have something above the others.
"We come after them, alongside Fiorentina. There's a cluster of high-level teams.
“The Scudetto? I believe in my team, but I also believe there are some values that have to be respected. Right now Juventus and Roma are the strongest teams in the championship.
“The transfer market? We signed new, young players who already proved their quality.
“They're producing results and they'll keep doing that.
“I wish I could play the Champions League preliminary again: I'm convinced that the team we presented against [Bayer] Leverkusen was competitive.
“But I'd like to play that game with my complete squad.”
Finally, the Coach discussed young Lazio talent Felipe Anderson.
“It's hard to predict what he may become, as it is for any young player. He has technical and physical quality and he's a wilful lad. He can improve in terms of his choices on the pitch.
“The most decisive player in Serie A? Right now [Napoli's Gonzalo] Higuain can make a difference. A team that has him can almost be said to start with an extra goal.
“As for our derby against Roma, we have another five games before that, but we'll prepare it carefully, there's no doubt about that. We have no complaints about it being close to the [Europa League] game against Rosenborg.”