Lazio manager Angelo Maria Fabiani downplays Maurizio Sarri’s complaints about team expectations, insisting they are just “mind games” to concentrate his players against Atletico Madrid.
It kicks off at the Wanda Metropolitano at 20.00 GMT.
While both teams have already booked their place in the round of 16, a win would allow Lazio to overtake Atleti and move into the top of the group, becoming the top-ranked team in Monday’s draw.
That feat was overshadowed by Sarri’s comments yesterday, when he complained that Lazio had “performed a miracle” in qualifying for the round of 16 and that the general mood in Rome had “unrealistic expectations” for his team.
“There is tension everywhere, I think Sarri just wanted to increase the tension and he didn’t talk about it in particular,” sporting director Fabiani told Mediaset.
“They’re mind games that he plays from time to time. Let’s start with the concept that last season we did something normal by occupying second place in Serie A. Maybe the coach can lessen that a little bit to increase the tension in his players, because we have to make up lost ground.
“Tonight’s game is tough, but the fact that we’ve already qualified with a circular ahead of us is a wonderful result. We played in the Coppa Italia and we also qualified, so we want to do everything right.
Sarri also warned that Lazio could need more reinforcements, part of their inflammation stemming from new signings arriving so late in the summer.
“I think president Claudio Lotito has already started laying the groundwork for a plan to reduce the average age of the team. We’ve recruited players who will make their names heard in the future. If there’s an opportunity, Lotito probably won’t stop.
Happy dancing!#UCL | #AtletiLazio #CMonEagles pic. twitter. com/qVau183aGz
This article was first published on Football Italia and was distributed with permission.
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