Maurizio Sarri reveals yet more injury problems for Lazio going into the Conference League play-off with CFR Cluj and insists they must focus on ‘getting through before even thinking about winning’ the tournament.
The first leg ended 1-0 for the Biancocelesti thanks to a Ciro Immobile volley, despite seeing Patric harshly sent off in the opening 15 minutes.
The decider is in Romania on Thursday at 17.45 GMT.
Cluj coach Dan Petrescu said in his press conference that the hosts had only a 10 per cent chance of qualification, so when asked the same question, Sarri quoted his counterpart.
“I hope Petrescu is right, but I doubt it.”
As well as suspended Patric, Lazio also travelled without injured Alessio Romagnoli and Stefan Radu, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Matteo Zaccagni have been hit by a stomach bug.
“Milinkovic is not in any condition to play, Zaccagni has a fever, while Marcos Antonio had a similar problem to Sergej, but nowhere near as bad. Pedro should have tests today and we hope he can remove the swabs from his nose. If he gets a protective mask, then he can get back to training.”
Lazio started out in the Europa League and dropped down to the Conference League play-off after finishing third in their group, but when asked if they can win the entire tournament like Roma did last season, Sarri was again downbeat.
“At this moment, no. We are missing a lot of players and it is a difficult situation. That is not an alibi, but one more issue to deal with. Cluj are more physical and accustomed to certain playing styles.
“As for the Conference League, there are strong teams like West Ham United and Villarreal, so I am focused on getting through to the next round before even thinking about winning the Conference League.
“Our team has certain defects that show up more on the European stage than in Italy, when we sometimes take the wrong approach to games. Cluj will have the attitude of a side that believes in their chances.”
Sarri was furious with the English referee Craig Pawson after the first leg of this play-off, and not just for the decision to send Patric off for what seemed at most a yellow card offence.
Does he expect better tomorrow from German official Felix Zwayer?
“I always expect the referee to do well, it’s just that at the end of the game I am forced to say that wasn’t the case and feel let down.”