Lazio shrug off Sarri ‘mind games’

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani shrugs off Maurizio Sarri’s criticism of expectations across the squad, insisting these had been merely ‘thoughts video games’ to focus his gamers towards Atletico Madrid.

It kicks off on the Wanda Metropolitano at 20.00 GMT.

You may comply with all of the build-up and motion because it occurs from this recreation and Newcastle-Milan on the LIVEBLOG.

Whereas each side have already booked their spot within the Spherical of 16, a win would let Lazio leapfrog Atleti and high the group, due to this fact turning into first seeds within the draw on Monday.

That achievement was somewhat overshadowed by Sarri’s feedback yesterday, when he complained Lazio had ‘carried out a miracle’ by qualifying for the knockouts and that the final environment in Rome had ‘unrealistic expectations’ for his staff.

“There may be stress all over the place, I believe Sarri simply needed to boost the stress and was not speaking about anybody particularly,” director of sport Fabiani informed Mediaset.

“These are thoughts video games that he goes for every so often. Allow us to begin from the concept final season we did one thing extraordinary by taking second place in Serie A. The coach would possibly diminish that a bit bit to boost the stress on his gamers, as we have to recuperate misplaced floor.

“This night’s recreation is a fragile one, however the reality we already certified with a spherical to spare is a wonderful consequence. We performed within the Coppa Italia and obtained by means of as effectively, so there’s every thing we have to do effectively.”

Sarri additionally prompt that Lazio might do with extra reinforcements, though a few of his irritation got here from new signings coming so late in the summertime.

“I believe President Claudio Lotito has already began to put the foundations for a plan to convey down the typical age of the squad. We introduced in gamers who will make their names heard in future. If there is a chance, Lotito is not going to maintain again.”