Lazio didn’t manage to stage a comeback in the return leg versus AZ Alkmaar. After finishing third in their Europa League group, they were eliminated from the Conference League as well. The Biancocelesti got their hopes up thanks to an early goal by Felipe Anderson, but then things eventually unraveled, and the Dutch team prevailed 4-2 on aggregate.
Coach Maurizio Sarri explained what went wrong to Sky Sport.
“We deserved to bow out. We were in the game until they tied, and then we stopped believing and lacked conviction, which was incorrect. Energies were scarce, which made everything harder. We had already planned the subs, as we wanted to rest those who played more.”
The gaffer believes Lazio aren’t built to handle multiple competitions.
“We don’t have the structure to deal with more than one thing at the time from the physical, mental, and depth standpoint. When we change five or six men, we pay the price for it. We’re not ready. We can improve, but we couldn’t think to be extremely competitive in Europe this season. The lineup choices are based on our sensations. We couldn’t overhaul everything. We have been playing every three or four days since January 4th. Some footballers are understandably fatigued.”
José Mourinho started spicing up the Derby with some zings after Roma held on versus Real Sociedad (via Corriere dello Sport).
“I’m sorry for UEFA since they will have to use some money to ship the Conference League trophy elsewhere. It could have stayed in Rome. Maybe it will go to Florence. Lazio won’t have the opportunity to play in a third cup now. Teams that are eliminated should just go fishing in my opinion.”
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