Sarri: "If I Set An Unrealistic Goal, I Would Only Deceive Myself And The Players. Our Aim Is To Lay Strong Foundations For The Future. If You Asked Me Who Is Unsellable Today, I Would Say Basic. He Was Out For A Year And Came Back Ready And Motivated."

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri expressed pride in his team’s unity and resilience following the goalless draw against Atalanta in Serie A’s seventh round. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Biancoceleste manager highlighted the collective effort of his players despite several setbacks in recent weeks.

According to Sarri, the group is beginning to show real cohesion, with the collective goal taking priority over individual ambitions. “We played a great first half, and even when the opponent increased their tempo in the second, the team continued to fight together. Of the fifteen players who took the field, five or six had only trained for the first time yesterday morning, so it was normal to lose some rhythm,” he said. Sarri praised his players’ willingness to suffer and defend as a unit, adding that such spirit makes any coach proud, regardless of the final result.

The coach also noted the team’s recent struggles with injuries and illness. He revealed that Lazio lost a key player early in the match, one who had been in the best condition in recent weeks. Despite that, younger players such as Gustav Isaksen stepped up. “Isaksen is growing, and today he played a good match. These have been three difficult weeks, but the team handled them well,” Sarri explained.

When asked about possible contract renewals for Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila, Sarri responded with his usual frankness. He hinted at limited influence in transfer decisions and joked that he was often informed after plans were already made. However, he took the opportunity to praise Toma Basic, calling him one of the most reliable and emotionally engaged players in the squad. “If you asked me who is unsellable today, I would say Basic. He was out for a year and came back ready and motivated,” he said.

Sarri also emphasized the need for stability and consistent training to improve physical condition across the squad. He pointed out that several players, including Zaccagni and Marusic, had just returned to training and would require time to regain full fitness. “Only regular training will allow us to reach ninety minutes with intensity,” he stated.

Regarding injuries, Sarri confirmed that medical assessments would be carried out in the coming days, hoping that the latest issue was more tendon-related than muscular.

When asked about setting specific targets for the season, Sarri remained cautious. He said the priority was to build a competitive team amid a stagnant transfer market and growing competition. “If I set an unrealistic goal, I would only deceive myself and the players. Our aim is to lay strong foundations for the future,” he said with a smile.

The coach also touched on potential January transfers, noting that he would be happiest if he felt so satisfied with his squad that no reinforcements were needed.

Finally, Sarri reserved special praise for goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, whose excellent saves preserved the clean sheet in Bergamo. “I didn’t regenerate him; I simply made him a player. Today he saved our lives,” Sarri concluded.

With his pragmatic yet optimistic tone, Sarri’s words reflected a coach aware of Lazio’s current challenges but equally confident in the team’s growing character and unity.