Igor Tudor was clearly frustrated following Lazio’s tough 2-2 draw with Monza, admitting it’ll take time to digest and analyse the result.
The Biancocelesti took an early 1-0 lead through Ciro Immobile before conceding a Milan Djuric equaliser in the 73rd minute, forcing them to push for another goal. The Roman club took the advantage again 10 minutes later through Matias Vecino, before Djuric netted a last-minute equaliser.
It was a frustrating draw for Lazio and one that could be fatal in their quest for European qualification. The result also showed why an important summer transfer window is needed as Tudor looks to build a strong project in the Italian capital.
Speaking in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Tudor first discussed why he took off Zaccagni in the first half and the quality of his Lazio’s performance.
Zaccagni had a yellow card and a half. He was so tense, he could’ve been given a red. The red was on the table. Today we should have and could have done better, a team that must do more than what they did today.
I have to analyse this deeply, this is the match I liked the least, both in attack and defence, also from a mental point of view. Monza are tough, they’re a good team, but winning wouldn’t be right, let’s take this point and prepare ourselves as best we can for the finals three games.
He touched on how his side dropped their 2-1 lead in the final minutes.
Anything can happen in football. This is football, sometimes good, sometimes bad. The league is never decided with one match, it is decided across 38 games.
There isn’t much time, you have to prepare as best you can because there’s a lack of time. The match against Empoli must be prepared as best as possible.
The Croatian coach commented on the poor performance of Felipe Anderson and others.
Today many were subpar. Some were forced, I made substitutions, today I tried not to remove the least bad ones. Today there were many subpar players. They have to perform well, with a clear mind. We should have done better.
Tudor spoke about some of the issues he saw.
We struggled in all areas, in the defensive phase but also with the ball. I didn’t like this. I’m very sad, angry. But on the other side, it’s very clear in my head what I have to do.
He spoke highly about Monza and Raffaele Palladino.
Monza are doing well on the pitch, they have good players. He has always been intelligent, he is the basis of a good coach. He grows over time, with the curiosity to always learn.
Finally, Tudor explained why he handed Immobile a start.
I saw Ciro playing well. Castellanos had a small operation on his tooth during the week. Immobile was motivated. He scored an important goal and I hope he scores many more in these matches. It was a technical choice for him.
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