Sarri: ‘Difficult Task Even for Most Established Psychologist in Europe’

The Laziali

·7 February 2023

Sarri: ‘Difficult Task Even for Most Established Psychologist in Europe’

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri looked for the silver lining after his side’s wasteful 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona.

The Biancocelesti were in the driving seat at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi for the majority of the 90 minutes but failed to break down the Gialloblu as they were forced to accept a point in Veneto.

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Lazio took the lead in the dying moments of the first half thanks to a spin and curled shot from Pedro, whose moment of magic fired up the squad. It wasn’t enough, however, as Cyril Ngonge scored a header early into the second half to draw Hellas Verona level. They held for the rest of the match and grinded out a draw, important in their relegation battle.

Speaking to DAZN (via TMW) after the game, Sarri first reacted to Lazio’s 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona.

The feeling is more positive. There’s the regret of the result and there’s strong regret that too often we have, the first minutes in the second half were not of a great level. Apart from the five minutes of madness after we conceded the goal, the game was well played. Tough game, dirty game, man against man. It was not easy and all in all we managed to play football in a difficult situation. I’m sorry for the approach in the second half and the five minutes of sloppiness after the equaliser.

He touched on how the team have dropped a number of points from winning positions this season.

Working on these things is never easy. We talk about mental implications that do not involve one player but 25 heads. I think it would be a difficult task even for the most established psychologist in Europe. We are trying to take note of that, which would already be something important.

The Lazio coach was asked about the brewing race for a top four finish.

I don’t look at the table with great curiosity. It seems to me there are 51 points available. You are talking about something far away and so theoretical that it has little meaning. One looks at it and it’s one point or two points, in this period it’s fine.

He looked ahead to the upcoming game against Atalanta.

Another bad story. Atalanta away seem to me to have scored the same points as Napoli. It’s another difficult game.

The Italian coach commented on his squad’s reaction following their Coppa Italia exit to Juventus.

I take home the spirit. I saw the team that had these 10 minutes of difficulty but did it until the end with a good nastiness because these are games that if you don’t play with the right nastiness end badly.

Finally, Sarri was asked about his decision to take off Immobile in the second half.