Maurizio Sarri Believes His Return Wasn’t a ‘Smart’ Choice, Plans to Tame ‘Anarchic’ Lazio Star

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·15 Juni 2025

Maurizio Sarri Believes His Return Wasn’t a ‘Smart’ Choice, Plans to Tame ‘Anarchic’ Lazio Star

Maurizio Sarri admits his return for a second Lazio tenure could be a mistake while discussing several other topics, including Nuno Tavares and his time at Juventus.

The Background

Although the 66-year-old’s first stint ended in a shocking resignation after losing control of the locker room, it can still be considered largely successful, especially having guided the club to a memorable second-place finish behind Napoli in the 2022/23 campaign.

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Maurizio Sarri Explains ‘Ill-Advised’ Lazio Return

Therefore, in his interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, Sarri explains how his comeback was mostly driven by the heart, as it wasn’t necessarily a clever decision, given he might struggle to replicate the feats achieved during his original spell. He also reveals how personal tragedies played a role in his resignation.

Returning to Lazio is like going back home to the people who love you. It wasn’t a smart choice, because I’m returning to a club when I already finished second, but it was an extremely easy choice from a sentimental point of view. It was a terrible year for me. I lost important people in my family, so football became marginal for many months. Now I want to get back to coaching.

Nuno Tavares, Nicolo Rovella & Mateo Guendouzi

Sarri then discussed three of his Lazio players, beginning with Nuno Tavares, whom he describes as ‘anarchic’, but believes he can fit in his system with some adjustments.

For me, Nuno Tavares is the only unknown in the backline. He is strong but anarchic. If we manage to frame him he will become very strong. As for Rovella, I had already said that after 50 underwhelming matches he would become a top player. He lacks a bit of dribbling, but he is very strong. Guendouzi is a contagious animal for those who play next to him. He needs the leash because he can’t stop at 100%, he has to go further.

Special Rapport with Fiorentina

The former Napoli and Chelsea boss was also linked to his beloved Fiorentina in recent weeks, much to the delight of the Florentine people. However, he reveals that the Viola came knocking on his door when he already had an agreement with Lazio.

There was very mild contact, but only when I had already signed with Lazio. I went through a very difficult time this year in terms of family, personal issues and even football problems in some ways, but I was moved by the extraordinary support from the Fiorentina fans. I will always carry this in my heart. Knowing that they even put up photos of me around the city is a beautiful thing. I will always be grateful to the Viola fans.

Sarri Explains the Difficulties He Faced at Juventus

Sarri also touched on his one-year stint at Juventus, describing it as the most difficult gig of his coaching career.

Juventus was the most difficult team to coach because it was asymmetrical. We won thanks to the freshest players, like Bentancur. Inter were our main challengers that season, because Lazio were playing every three days but didn’t have enough depth.

The veteran manager won the Scudetto title with the Bianconeri in the 2019/20 season, but he was sacked following the club’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Lyon.