Maurizio Sarri blames the referee for being ‘clearly not up to the task and managing to irritate everyone’ in Lazio’s 2-2 draw with Sturm Graz, but going down to 10 men showed the determination he wanted.
This was a huge opportunity to go clear at the top of the group, as Feyenoord and Midtjylland had already drawn 2-2 earlier this evening.
However, after Ciro Immobile had converted a penalty, Manuel Lazzari fell for provocation and got himself sent off for a second yellow card, which was frankly harsh.
William Boving scored twice for Sturm Graz, but Pedro ensured Lazio picked up a point.
“The incident was part of a game that the referee managed to irritate everyone. The referee was clearly not up to the task and created a sense of unjustified tension and irritation, because it was a fair game,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We played a good first half, created chances and took the lead, but when you play every three days, that weighs on you. Having said that, we probably only really struggled at the dawn of the second half and weren’t suffering at all once we restored our advantage. The equaliser was against the run of play, it’s a pity about this result.
“It is a good point to start showing the improvements we are looking for, because we saw down to 10 men that this team has a soul. Those who come off the bench have the same ideas and objectives as the starters, and that is a positive from this match.
“I saw this desire to get a win at all costs, consistency in the determination and motivation, that is what I want to see going forward.”
It means the Europa League group remains totally even, all the teams have five points.
Lazio’s remaining games are at home to Midtjylland and away to Feyenoord.
This is Sarri’s second season with the Biancocelesti and there have been definite improvements, especially in Serie A. Is this closer to the Lazio he wants to see?
“We changed six or seven out of 22 players, but the core remained and so we started with more foundations both tactically and mentally.
“In Italy, there is this odd way of treating coaches, they seem to assume you have a joystick and can control the players after a week like that. I heard a Jurgen Klopp interview, he said you cannot judge a coach for the first two years, but then that’s in a country like England where coaches can remain at the same club for seven or eight years.”
All the coaches have complained that the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is adding further strain to the players.
“I would love someone to explain to me what Qatar can give to world football that it warrants creating all these problems,” shrugged Sarri.
“It’s difficult, the European competitions have been unfeasible with this fixture list, going around Europe every single week is madness. So far, the team is holding out and we hope to continue like that.”
Immobile has become the most prolific Lazio player in European competition with 21 goals, surpassing Simone Inzaghi’s tally of 20.
“Ciro is a very humble lad, he is extraordinary on the pitch, but off it he is extraordinary for his simplicity. He represents something important for all Lazio fans.”