Once more, Maurizio Sarri appeared to express divergence from President Claudio Lotito regarding the aspirations Lazio holds ahead of tonight’s encounter against Fiorentina. ‘It’s not as if Lazio will be in the Champions League every year.’
The teams enter this encounter with only a two-point difference between them. Lazio arrives following a 2-0 victory away to Torino on Thursday, a match rescheduled from January to accommodate their participation in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four.
Fiorentina, likewise part of the tournament, experienced a setback at the semi-final stage.
“It is not easy to understand what condition the squad is in, as we are playing every three or four days for weeks and weeks. Training cannot tell you too much,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think mentality counts a great deal too, hopefully we are ready for this appointment.”
The coach has frequently found himself in disagreement with President Claudio Lotito and a significant portion of the local media regarding expectations and aspirations, particularly concerning their aims of securing a top-four spot in Serie A.
When questioned, Sarri was prompted to address whether he feels pressured to consistently deliver results, given the team’s underwhelming start to the season, necessitating a process of playing catch-up.
“It’s not as if Lazio will be in the Champions League every year, so we are not feeling that much pressure. We have to take it one game at a time, ignore the table, not get overjoyed with a victory and not despair at defeat.
“Fiorentina are more or less on our level, so it’s going to be a difficult match.”