Isaksen feels Lazio ‘among the group’ of Europa League favourites | OneFootball

Gustav Isaksen thanks Marco Baroni and his Italian teacher for his improved performances, while he feels Lazio are ‘among the group’ of Europa League favourites.

They secured a third consecutive victory by conquering FC Twente 2-0 in the Netherlands this evening with goals from Pedro and Isaksen, although it was considerably easier after goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall was sent off just 11 minutes in for taking down Boulaye Dia.

“The red card made the difference this evening, because Twente are a very strong team. We did well, played like a united team and I am very happy with the performance as well as the goal,” Isaksen told Sky Sport Italia.

He had struggled at Lazio during his first season under Maurizio Sarri and Igor Tudor, but seems to have found his feet so far this term with more impactful performances. How much has Baroni got to do with that change?

“I felt a bit like a stranded kid last season, I didn’t know the language and it was a very different league to the one I was accustomed to in Denmark. It is much more physical, faster and more tactical.

“However, I feel that Baroni has faith in me and I am in a position where I can really help the team a lot more this season. I am learning Italian, it’s a bit difficult, because you talk very quickly, but I am learning.”

Isaksen making impact at Lazio

epa11681063 FC Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall receives the red card from referee Nikola Dabanovic during the UEFA Europa League soccer match between FC Twente and SS Lazio, in Enschede, the Netherlands, 24 October 2024. EPA-EFE/TOBIAS KLEUVER

Isaksen assures that his teammates also appreciate the approach taken by former Hellas Verona boss Baroni in their 4-2-3-1 formation with many attacking players on the pitch together.

“It is very important for us strikers to feel that the coach has faith in us. Baroni plays a very attacking style of football, he wants us to always push hard and I like this way of playing. I know the other forwards like it too.”

Lazio remain the absolute leaders of the Europa League table, as only they, Tottenham and RSC Anderlecht maintain a 100 per cent record after three rounds, but the Aquile have a better goal difference.

Does Isaksen think that the Biancocelesti can be considered one of the favourites to win the Europa League?

“I don’t know. We are a strong team, but there are many others at a very high level too. We are doing very well, but I wouldn’t say we were favourites. Maybe among the group.”