Maurizio Sarri underlined how the Europa Conference League ‘must be respected’ by Lazio ahead of their play-off clash with CFR Cluj.
The Roman club were inconsistent in their Europa League campaign in the first half of the season and finished third in a group containing Feyenoord, FC Midtjylland and Sturm Graz, a result that saw them drop down to the third tier of European competition.
Speaking in a press conference, Sarri first gave his thoughts on the Europa Conference League.
“Like any European competition, it must be respected and we will do that.”
He was asked if Serie A was the priority for Lazio and if the squad would be rotated.
“The league can give us access to more money and for a club that is important. If we talk about the sporting aspect, a European competition must interest us.
“I will make my choices based on the tiredness of the players. I still don’t know who will play in goal.”
The 64-year-old touched on if the upcoming clash with CFR Cluj was an opportunity for the fringe players in the squad to show their strengths.
“They have to show it in training, otherwise they will be given a chance on the bench a few times.
“Pellegrini is improving, he has to fit into a different line up to the other Italians, he’s not ready for that yet even if he’s putting in his best. We’ll see tomorrow.”
Sarri provided an update on talismanic striker Ciro Immobile, who has struggled with injuries this season.
“He has a slight undertone of dizziness, like those who are used to scoring a goal a game and haven’t for a couple of months.
“He can’t play two full games in three days, we’ll see tomorrow whether or not he’ll play the full match.”
He gave his thoughts on the upcoming opponents CFR Cluj.
“At European level all games come out tight, there are no games that are not tough. If we thought like that we would be sinning in superficiality.”
The Lazio coach was asked if he could change the mentality of his squad.
“To build a mentality takes years, three or four days are not enough. It is born in the everyday.”
He commented on if Mario Gila could return to the starting lineup following his recent injury.
“I’ll take him into consideration, he had a nagging injury and wasn’t at his best. Now I’ve seen him better and with Romagnoli out I’ll take him into consideration.”
Sarri provided updates on Matias Vecino and Toma Basic.
“Basic has had a period of tiredness, he seems to me to be growing. Vecino suffered from the World Cup from a mental point of view, he felt responsible for the elimination. Now he’s better and will be useful to us.”
Finally, Sarri was asked if he wants his Lazio to bounce back after their 2-0 loss to Atalanta.
“The situation is not dramatic, we lost a game after so much. We have to help ourselves and I think the boys are capable of doing that.”
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