Alessio Romagnoli reflected on Lazio’s slow start to the season, how the team have turned things around and what it means to play in the Champions League.
The Biancocelesti have performed well on the European stage this term, picking up a draw with Atletico Madrid and a win over Celtic, putting them tied at the top of their group. A win over Feyenoord would be a key step forward for Maurizio Sarri’s side.
Lazio have started to recover from their slow start to the season and their 2-0 win over Sassuolo on the weekend has given them a boost in confidence ahead of their trip to Rotterdam.
Speaking in a press conference (via TMW), Romagnoli first looked back on the early months of the new season.
We know that we haven’t had a great start to the season in the league, the recovery will be long. In the Champions League, however, it’ll be a difficult match, on a complicated pitch.
He spoke about what he feels playing in the Champions League for the club he supports.
A feeling that’s difficult to explain. It’s already nice to play for Lazio, then playing these competitions is wonderful, the Champions League matches are the best ever. I have to put my emotions aside and give my best as always.
The 28-year-old was asked about the team’s disappointing defensive work this campaign.
We always have to be careful otherwise the games would end 0-0. We know that in the defensive phase we didn’t do well, but not just the defenders, the whole team. We have to continue working to improve every day.
He commented on what it means to play in Europe’s premier club competition.
The Champions League is the best competition there is. I try to give everything I have. Ciro, Pedro and Luis, us old guys must be an example for the team.
Finally, Romagnoli spoke about what was plaguing the Lazio squad in the first two months of the campaign.
At the beginning our mistakes were due to a lack of determination, not only physical problems. The problem was us, legs can move less, but when there is no determination it’s difficult.
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