Maurizio Sarri highlighted his comfort at Lazio and noted how the game was ‘dirty’ due to Genoa’s playing style.
The Biancocelesti picked up a confident 4-1 victory over the Rossoblu this afternoon at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where star striker Ciro Immobile netted a hat-trick to secure the three points for Sarri’s side. The Roman club are bitterly involved in the fight for European qualification and the win was key to keep up the pressure on their rivals.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia after the win, Sarri first discussed if Lazio were perfect in the game against Genoa.
“No, but we played a good game. It was normal that the first few minutes were difficult, they’re intense, aggressive, with lots of long balls. They’re difficult to play against, but we played with quality on the ball and created a lot of situations.
“Defensively we did well, even though it was a dirty game because of the way Genoa play. We’ve been doing well on the road lately, but unfortunately we lost the derby.”
He detailed how he didn’t want to give up following the painful Derby della Capitale defeat.
“No, I wanted there to be strong messages. The team has won four in the last five, that game becomes inexplicable and I wanted a strong message from myself or the club.”
The Lazio coach commented on the growth and confirmation of Manuel Lazzari this season.
“I think I’ve always been flexible and the vision journalists have is different, as is the label they have given me. The characteristics of a striker are determined in order to choose how to play, but I also did it in the past with Ronaldo, with Hazard, who set a goal record.
“With Lazzari, the credit always goes to the players. He didn’t shy away, he worked hard and started playing as a full back, a role he can do with a cigarette.”
He discussed the inconsistencies plaguing Brazilian winger Felipe Anderson.
“If Felipe always played at 100% he wouldn’t be at Lazio, but he wouldn’t be in Italy either. He has extraordinary qualities but sometimes he has ups and downs. Sometimes I tell him he’s playing linesman, but talking to the lads they tell me he’s improved a lot compared to the past.
“Let’s hope we can get 100% out of him, because if he ends his career without it I would be very disappointed, because I see big things in him.”
Sarri discussed why he hasn’t renewed his contract with Lazio yet.
“I don’t care. The future for me is the next game against Torino, this team needs me to be behind it and too often it has abandoned us in positive moments.
“If we find consistency we can do important things, at the moment my energies are dedicated to this. Then we’ll see what the president thinks, but he’ll go down in order.”
Finally, Sarri discussed his philosophy and happiness being Lazio’s coach.
“I have always expressed it, I feel very comfortable here, in a particular environment. The clichés about this environment are false, I’m doing very well here and we’ll see how things develop.”
Sarri: “Abbiamo fatto un’ottima partita”, poi la risposta sul rinnovo https://t.co/1IEAT7o5ta
— Noi Biancocelesti (@Noibiancocelest) April 10, 2022