Maurizio Sarri bitterly criticised the state of the pitch after Lazio’s 0-0 Conference League play-off draw with Cluj. ‘UEFA have little respect for football if they allow these surfaces.’
The 1-0 first leg advantage proved enough to secure qualification into the Round of 16, sealed by a Ciro Immobile brace despite Patric being sent off in the opening 15 minutes.
The Aquile had their chances in the second leg too, but were denied by a combination of great Simone Scuffet saves and shocking finishing.
“There was no way we could play football here. We did well to settle into a sport that is similar to football, but is not football, because the pitch was completely unplayable,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“I always hear UEFA talk about respect, but they have very little respect for football and the players if they ask them to play on these surfaces. It just isn’t football like this. Nonetheless, we did well and it’s a pity we didn’t win.”
Lazio were concerned about the trip to Romania, as they were missing key players including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Patric, Alessio Romagnoli, Mattia Zaccagni, Pedro and Stefan Radu.
Sarri has often complained at the lack of options at his disposal and insisted other teams are far better equipped to handle two tournaments.
“We’ll have to see. The young players did well tonight, but we have to see in future. Those who played did what they had to do. I don’t know who will be available against Sampdoria, but I hope those who suffered from flu symptoms can recover.”
Sarri was also asked about his rapport with Luis Alberto, who initially struggled with his 4-3-3 tactics and general approach.
“It was Luis Alberto who took a step towards me, because he started to train the way I asked. If he does that, then he’ll often get to play.”