Maurizio Sarri highlighted the seriousness of Ciro Immobile’s absence and looked to explain Lazio’s defensive solidity ahead of tomorrow’s game against Atalanta.
The Biancocelesti will have to do without their star striker for the next month of games, with the 32-year-old suffering a hamstring injury that’ll keep him sidelined until the new year. It’s a painful loss for Sarri and Lazio, who’ll now need to adapt a wide player like Felipe Anderson or Pedro to play upfront in the 4-3-3 system.
Speaking in a press conference, Sarri first discussed Lazio’s improved defensive abilities this season – after 10 games they’ve only conceded five goals, far below the 17 compared to last campaign.
“You always have to wait, these are statistics that make sense in the long run, in 10 games they can depend on a thousand factors.
“We could do with continuing like this, we know it’s not certain that it’s the right number for us. We’ll see with many more games as proof.”
He touched on the importance of tomorrow’s game against Atalanta.
“It can affect the development of the season, for it to be decisive eight months from the end seems excessive to me. Leaving aside the material aspect, on a mental level it can give us something and take it away.”
The Lazio coach spoke about the absence of star striker Immobile.
“The absence of players who have certain numbers is heavy, it happens to all those who have such impactful players. If PSG did not have Mbappé they would be a little worried, like Barcelona without Lewa.
“The risk of losing some potential is there, we still managed to do well at the end last year. We have to give 100%.
“We don’t have one with similar characteristics, we have to go for different characteristics. Last year Pedro and Felipe tried, now also Cancellieri because of the many games.”
He commented on his usage of Immobile this season.
“There are three players who have played more than him. If I was sure he would get injured I would have kept him out. On a muscular level he hadn’t given any signals, others have more minutes.
“Some have also played more with the national team, many should be injured. Lewa I always saw him on the pitch with Barca, you can have the squad you want, but some always play the same. It’s useless to have too much mental frustration, there are holes to pull.”
Sarri discussed Atalanta’s chances in the title race this campaign.
“If Gasp’s teams train consistently they become steam rollers. Few strikers have the forward pack. Zapata out, they have Malinovskyi out.
“Then Lookman is level, he has a super shot. Muriel has enormous quality. They’re described as an aggressive team, but I repeat, they also have a lot of quality.”
He commented on if the absence of Immobile has a psychological impact on the team.
“We’ll see if he’ll be missing for seven games. If the team is struggling mentally they’re not mature, Milan have been without Ibrahimovic for six months. Otherwise we always go chasing excuses. If they’re mature they’ll also play without Immobile, losing through immaturity if not.”
Finally, Sarri discussed Lazio’s hopes of recovering Immobile soon.
“We’re making every attempt, I’ve seen that the guy is tough to want to shorten the time, it can be done and there’s no margin for risk, I’ve seen the treatment plan, it’s a tough one, he’s one that’s made himself available to recover a little sooner.”
Get well quick, captain !
This guy is delusional if Ciro was anywhere near Mbmappe we would have qualified for the WC
go back to sleep Sarri
I agree with Dm. Sarri is delusional there is not comparison between Ciro and Mbmappe!
I think his point is relative. He is not saying Immobile is LIKE Mbappe, but the loss to the team is same on a relative scale (and relative in the sense that those two players are on different levels of quality).
@Donato I appreciate you taking your time for these two two dimensional beings. Imagine how hooked they must be on CNN or whatever agenda driven master they can’t read between the lines (not that here there was a need for it). God bless your patience.
sarri gone crazy again
If u read my comment above correctly Burky
I stated that Sarri was comparing Ciro influence in a game was the same as Mbmappe which is a load of rubbish they might miss Ciro PK, Influencing a game thats rubbish
Influencing a game is someone like the Napoli guy Kava that’s what u call influencial player,
Dm you make a fool of youself, stop commenting. Ciro is capocannoniere several years and top current scorer in the league, he is comparable only to Lewa in goal numbers in recent years, has won golden shoe etc. I know you hate him (probably Ciro has scored many against the team you support) but his influence in the game is unquestionable (for people with brain ofcourse), his finishing is top.