Lazio’s new head coach Marco Baroni addressed the media in a press conference on the eve of the team’s Serie A opener against Venezia. Baroni shared insights on the team’s preparation, recent signings, and his tactical approach for the upcoming season.
On the team’s readiness, Baroni stated, “We arrive well at this match. We’ve recovered some players, unfortunately we had this small problem with Gila, but the team is fine. I’m sure it will be the usual difficult championship in which we will have to prove ourselves up to the task.”
Discussing the recent acquisition of Boulaye Dia, Baroni explained, “Lazio is always looking for good players and Dia is one of them. When we had taken Noslin, Immobile was still in the squad. Dia has shown he can score goals, not only in our league. He moves a lot, doesn’t give reference points and helps in many areas of the field.”
Baroni emphasized his flexible approach to midfield tactics: “I believe I have a midfield with many characteristics. Rovella, Vecino, Cataldi can play as midfielders or deep-lying playmakers. I don’t like to think about positional football. This is what I’m trying to bring into the team.”
Addressing transfer market speculation, Baroni asserted, “I look at the names I have and work on those. There is a direct discussion with the club and now we will also have important tests on the field. For now we are these and we go on like this.”
On leadership roles, Baroni revealed a dynamic approach: “I will choose the vice-captain game by game. As well as the penalty taker. We have many who can kick. Moments also need to be evaluated.”
Regarding team selection for the Venezia match, Baroni admitted, “I have a couple of doubts. One is Tavares, who has few minutes in his legs because he played little in friendlies. Tomorrow we will have to manage resources well.”
Baroni concluded by discussing young talent Gustav Isaksen: “Isaksen must enter into the awareness of being strong. Before, he had a very good player in front of him, now he has to free his mind to exploit his qualities. I often talk about joy, going on the field with the attitude of someone who is not afraid and wants to go head-on to play against the opponent.”
