Baroni: ‘I know that I have to prove myself’ to sceptical Lazio fans | OneFootball

Marco Baroni was pleased with the ‘determination’ shown by Lazio to fight back from a shock early Venezia goal and reassures sceptical fans. ‘I know that I have to prove myself.’

It was an inauspicious start to his Aquile adventure, as Nicolò Rovella’s error allowed Venezia to open the scoring within three minutes at the Stadio Olimpico with Magnus Andersen.

However, Taty Castellanos and a Mattia Zaccagni penalty made the most of Lagunari mistakes and Giorgio Altare put Manuel Lazzari’s pull-back into his own net for the final 3-1 result.

“The team was eager to put in this performance. We didn’t start in the best way, but I congratulate the squad for the way they reacted with determination,” Baroni told Lazio Style Channel.

“I saw interest things and I also want to thank the fans, because we needed their energy.”

Baroni aware of Lazio doubters

The ultras have been protesting against President Claudio Lotito, as they felt Baroni was a downgrade from predecessors Maurizio Sarri and Igor Tudor.

“I know that I have to prove myself. I keep telling the players to express the Lazio essence, to help each other out, being 11 bodies on the pitch and a single soul. That must never be lacking.”

There were quite a few new faces on the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, including Tijjani Noslin and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

“It goes without saying that we’ve made a lot of changes and young players must be given the opportunity to make mistakes. I am pleased with the team, it is the spirit I was asking for.

“I work towards a dynamic style of football, of being aggressive off the ball, but also keep hold of it to control the match. The team can improve, we’re working on those tactical principles. Winning back possession quickly has to be our DNA and the strikers have to start the press.”

Considering how many big teams have dropped points already in the opening round, with draws for Inter, Milan, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina, plus Napoli losing, only Lazio and Verona sit at the top of the table.