Baroni confirms Guendouzi absence and sets Lazio standards for UEL finale | OneFootball

Marco Baroni has urged his Lazio players to put in a ‘great’ performance against Braga in the Europa League on Thursday evening, even though the Biancocelesti have already qualified and will be without a number of key first team players.

Lazio currently sit at the top of the Europa League standings. A point against Braga will be enough to guarantee their position at the summit by the end of the round, but Lazio could still also finish top even if they lose depending on goal difference.

Baroni on Lazio’s Europa League ambitions

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening, Baroni spoke of the pride he has in his players, while also setting the standard for tomorrow’s game away against Braga.

He is hoping for a bounce back after the disappointing 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday.

“I grow in every game, those who do this job have to be ambitious and have to set themselves goals going beyond their usual limits,” Baroni said, reported via TMW.  “I’m not happy with what happened on Sunday, I accept the criticism and I have to take it.”

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 23: SS Lazio head coach Marco Baroni during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between S.S. Lazio and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Stadio Olimpico on January 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

He continued: “Football is not the same at every level. There are different steps. I worked hard to get this chance, but a lot of credit goes to the players for these results. I am happy with the journey we’re on, but we haven’t done anything yet. We have to ask a lot of ourselves individually and as a team if we want to be ambitious.

“This competition is wonderful, but there is also an ongoing journey in the league. Tomorrow, even if we’re up against a strong opponent, we will need to play a great game, regardless of the absences we have.”

Baroni provides transfer and fitness updates on Guendouzi and Dia

Baroni also provided updates on Matteo Guendouzi and Boulaye Dia.

VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Mattéo Guendouzi of SS Lazio applauds his fans after the Serie A match between Verona and SS Lazio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 19, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Guendouzi had a bout of the flu and that’s why he stayed in Rome. We also have Dia, who we rested this morning but is with us. I have to evaluate. It’s likely that Gila can play in midfield, because in my opinion he’s able to do so.”

There was an update on the January transfer market as well. Baroni hinted that he would like new additions, but insisted that it is  not his job to worry about the transfer market.

“I understand that the window is open and I have spoken with the club about the possible needs, but that is not my job. My attention is always focused on the players who I have available and then the guys who actually come in. I look at what I have available, not what I could have.

“I’ll repeat, despite the absences, I expect the team to put in a great performance.”