Maurizio Sarri has shared his thoughts ahead of Lazio’s trip to Atletico Madrid in the final game of the Champions League group stages, insisting that it is not ‘normal’ for the Biancocelesti to reach the knockout stages in Europe.
The Lazio coach pointed out that reaching the round of 16 is something that has only been achieved twice this century, but argued that certain individuals set the levels of expectations too high, putting unnecessary pressure on the team.
Lazio have already qualified for the knockout rounds, but could finish at the top of the group with a win against Atletico on Wednesday. Sarri believes that there is still plenty to play for.
“The way I see it, games are there to be attacked. If you don’t, you will suffer. Seeing my team in training, they seem up for it to me, playing in this stadium is always motivating. It’s difficult and challenging,” he said in his press conference on Tuesday evening, via lalaziosiamonoi.it.
“I hope the boys have their minds in the game and not on any other silly distractions. Finishing first means a lot.”
When asked if anything is set to change for the Atletico game, Sarri replied: “I hope that little will change, other than the mistakes we made within 30 seconds in Verona. I felt that we played a good game at a high level, I saw the numbers and that’s how I see it. We had better numbers than in the game against Sassuolo.
“I hope the team repeat what they’ve done over the last few matches.
Sarri was also asked what it was like to coach Pedro, who is among the Spaniards in Lazio’s squad.
“It’s easy to trust Pedro, even if you don’t know him, you just have to look at his CV. He’s one of the most successful players in the world,” he said.
“He’s 36 now and can’t guarantee 90 minutes in every match, but he has phenomenal strengths. He sprints like an 18-year-old. It’s an honour and a pleasure to coach him.”
Sarri also shut down rumours that he didn’t see eye to eye with Atleti striker Alvaro Morata during their time working together at Chelsea in the Premier League.
“It’s not true that we didn’t get along. He’s an extraordinary player, with great technical and physical qualities, a true centre-forward. At that time he was nervous, he wasn’t happy in London anymore, we talked about it the last time we saw each other.”
Then, Sarri explained why he believes there is unnecessary pressure on the Lazio squad, but insists that he, personally, can deal with it.
“We’ve pulled off a miracle in getting to the round of 16. Comparisons with Lazio don’t add up, they are in a different category to us. The Lazio environment is difficult, not at the team level where everything is great. But, expectations are created that are impossible even for those who set them.
“That creates frustration. Not for me, I’m of a certain age and can deal with it, but those who are 20-25 will find it more difficult.
“It’s not normal for us to reach the round of 16, it’s only happened twice in the 2000s. It’s not just a coincidence that we are here, we have done very well.”