Maurizio Sarri is ‘absolutely furious with UEFA, FIFA, the Lega Serie A and the whole lot of them’ for the fixture list, while he criticises Lazio for their transfer strategy.
The Biancocelesti are finding it tough to balance the commitments of Serie A, the Champions League and international fixtures.
They are not alone, as there have been several injuries after the midweek round, with the packed calendar taking its toll on players.
“We had to make changes because of the insane fixture list. I am absolutely furious with UEFA, FIFA, the Lega Serie A and the whole lot of them for coming together to make this mad calendar,” said Sarri in his press conference.
“They are sending these lads to the slaughter with nobody intervening. This is football now, you take the money and run. Except all the money doesn’t make it down to Serie C, where you cannot make a living as a professional player.
“All this money in football gets poured into 40 or 50 players.”
Meanwhile, Sarri also took aim at Lazio President Claudio Lotito when asked if he had agreed to and shared the transfer strategy of the club.
“It is difficult to answer that question. I started with different names, then I ended up saying yes to other players. Everyone knows full well that the players I indicated did not arrive, so I have to make do with what I have at my disposal.
“Mind you, I expect in 95 per cent of cases any coach will tell you the same thing.”
The tactician also did not make comments that were in any way reassuring to the fans, especially considering they took second place in Serie A last season.
“We are not a big team and we should not have been considered big last year either.”
The tension is growing between Sarri and President Lotito after a dire start to the season, which saw them manage only two victories from eight games between Serie A and the Champions League.