Maurizio Sarri maintains Lazio were not made to ‘suffer’ by Inter in a 2-1 defeat and warns he needs January reinforcements. ‘Some players are simply not suited to this style of football.’
The Aquile had beaten Inter earlier this season, but capitulated 2-1 at San Siro to Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar goals.
Ciro Immobile had managed to temporarily equalise by pouncing on a defensive error.
It means Lazio have started 2022 with only one point from two games, drawing 3-3 with Empoli and losing 2-1 to Inter.
“We put in a good performance, the first half was a bit more timid, the second was much better. We sought the equaliser right to the end against a very strong team,” Sarri told DAZN.
The coach had asked for courage in his pre-match press conference, so did he see what he was looking for?
“The second half was more the way we had planned it, without any fear and just going for it. It wasn’t always our choice to defend deeper, as at times Inter forced us to, but there was never the real sense we were suffering or being pinned back other than for a few minutes.
“I liked the sensation of solidity we gave tonight and hopefully we can make that stick with greater consistency in other games.”
Lazio were held to a 3-3 thriller by Empoli on Thursday, so Sarri realises defensive solidity is what they need to work on.
“We always manage to do well attacking and create something in every game, but where we’re lacking is in defence. There had been improvements, then the Empoli match brought back those doubts and fears, but hopefully this performance can restore some of that confidence.”
Luis Alberto was dropped this evening for Toma Basic in the midfield in a bid to restore some balance.
“Changing one player might not necessarily bring more solidity. We all need to be more aggressive in our approach. I would love to use quality players all together, but we conceded too many goals and I have to try something.”
Sarri was asked if he expects reinforcements in the January transfer window and admits in his typically colourful fashion that the issue is financial.
“I don’t know, to be honest. I know we are blocked by the liquidity index, although I have not yet understood what the hell it is… The club knows we need something done and we’ll see if it happens.
“We need something more, also in numbers, because there are some players here who are simply not suited to this style of football. It’s important to start getting the work done now, because doing it all in one window is going to be complicated.”
🎙#Sarri parla a @DAZN_IT dopo #InterLazio 👇🏼https://t.co/r2XiI2AC5t
— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) January 9, 2022