Maurizio Sarri says Lazio players must ‘have fun’ in a Champions League game against Bayern Munich but warns the Biancocelesti that the Bavarians will make ‘no mistakes.’
Sarri spoke at a press conference on Tuesday on the eve of a Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Bayern Munich at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Bundesliga giants are the clear favourites, but Sarri feels his players must remain confident.
“If we think it’s impossible, we have already lost,” said the Italian tactician as quoted by TMW.
“We must have enthusiasm and self-confidence. It’s a nice game which we want to win. We’ll try to win it at all costs. When we have to suffer, we must do it together. There will be difficult moments tomorrow, but we must overcome them. It’s inevitable against clubs like Bayern Munich. We must do the contrary of what we did against Inter in Supercoppa.
“We should not forget that we are playing a game, so we must have fun,” continued Sarri.
“This doesn’t mean we’ll be superficial. Otherwise, it’s no longer funny. We must not forget we are privileged because we would have played football even for free.
Lazio beat Serie A strugglers Cagliari 3-1 on Saturday, while Bayern lost 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen and are now five points below the Bundesliga leaders coached by Xabi Alonso.
“I expect a strong Bayern. These clubs may have bad days in league games, but in the Champions League, they make no mistakes,” insisted Sarri.
“Years ago, I was preparing for a game against Real Madrid. I had watched some of their league fixtures, but the feeling from the pitch during the match was entirely different.”
Sarri also provided the latest team news ahead of tomorrow’s fixture.
“Vecino wasn’t fit this morning. It’s not worrying, but we’ll see how he feels tomorrow morning,” he said.
“Patric was with the group this morning but still has difficulties with physical challenges. Zaccagni is out, he can’t still train with football boots on. Rovella has a groin problem.”
Lastly, he was asked for updates on his future at the club and their plans to strengthen the team in the future.
“The President will think about what the club needs, I’ve already told him my view,” said Sarri.
“There are many variants, but at the end of the day, clubs with the highest incomes win domestic titles every year. There are exceptions, but investments are crucial.”
“clubs with the highest incomes win domestic titles every year”
But not Managers hey multi millionaire Mr Sarri!
Lazio Sempre Sarri Out!