The Lazio coach ahead of the first leg of the round of 16: โI expect a strong Bayern. In the Champions League these teams never make mistakes.โ
Everything is ready at Lazioโs home ground for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The formidable Bayern Munich is coming to the Olimpico, posing a tough challenge for Maurizio Sarriโs men. โWe must think itโs not impossible; otherwise, weโve already defeated ourselves in our minds,โ explained the Tuscan coach. โ
SARRIโS FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
How do you approach a seemingly impossible mission?
โBy thinking itโs not impossible; otherwise, weโve already defeated ourselves in our minds. They come in as favorites, but we must approach the game with enthusiasm. Itโs an exciting match to experience, to go in with confidence even though they might be much stronger. We must have the confidence to try at all costs. A bold attitude, without hesitation. On paper, they are favorites; letโs see on the field.โ
What are your feelings when facing a team that will likely have possession and be in your half?
โWhen thereโs suffering, we suffer together. There will be difficulties to overcome, which is inevitable when facing teams of this caliber. We must do the opposite of what we did against Inter in the Supercoppa when we were at the mercy of events. We must confront them.โ
Regarding the mentality you criticized after the Cagliari match (Lazio won 3-1):
โAt the end of the day, moments of trouble come out inevitably in all jobs. Especially when you work 3-4 years with the same team, there are heavy moments to face. We shouldnโt forget that we play a game, and we do it for fun too. We must return to having a sense of fun on the field, with all the responsibilities we must assume. We should take the field never forgetting that we are privileged, starting from this premise.โ
What Bayern do you expect? You never gave up on Vecino in the Champions League. Will he play, or Cataldi?
โVecino wasnโt particularly well, it shouldnโt be a huge problem. Weโll decide tomorrow. I expect a strong Bayern. These are teams that may make mistakes in some league matches, but not in the Champions League.โ
Can Luis Alberto play closer to Immobile?
โLuis Alberto is our most offensive midfielder; in the vast majority of actions, he should play close to him. But he likes to play a lot of balls, and sometimes he drops back. I played a lot with the attacking midfielder, but what I want Luis to do, he canโt. I need someone who attacks spaces; Luis is good at handling the ball. And he has now learned to be a real midfielder; Iโm happy with that.โ
How is the Sarri project progressing at Lazio? Can it go further?
โWhat the club needs will be considered by the president; I express my opinion. Everyone talks about many variations, but then in the leagues, teams with the highest turnover win. Then there are extraordinary cases.โ
How are Rovella, Patric, and Zaccagni?
โPatric trained with us, but he has some difficulty in physical duels. Zaccagni is still out; yesterday, he could train without studs, but he still feels pain. Rovella has an injury that has worsened, and heโs struggling.โ