Baroni Puts Juventus Controversy Behind, Tips Young Lazio Duo to Explode

The Laziali

·23 ottobre 2024

Baroni Puts Juventus Controversy Behind, Tips Young Lazio Duo to Explode

Lazio coach Marco Baroni urges his players to shrug aside the recent controversial episodes against Juventus to focus on Thursday’s Europa League contest against FC Twente. The 61-year-old is expecting a tough clash away from home against a young side filled with hunger and enthusiasm.

Marco Baroni Expecting Tough Test for Lazio Against FC Twente

In his pre-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the former Hellas Verona manager insisted Lazio shouldn’t be considered the favourites to win the encounter despite leading the Europa League table.

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They are a young team that plays good football. They did very well in the previous two encounters in the competition [against Manchester United and Fenerbahce]. It will be a difficult test for us against a dangerous team. I was surprised by their mobility. We will be up against a young team filled with enthusiasm. We will need quality, sacrifice and compactness. We have to play good football. There are no favorites in this contest. It will be a battle between two teams that play good football. It’s about who wants it more.

Overcoming Juventus Debacle

On another note, Baroni insists his team must put the refereeing incidents that hampered them against Juventus behind them and instead learn from the unpleasant experience.

The episodes that may occur must not undermine our path. If we don’t win, we must learn learn. The game against Juventus gave us awareness. The team faced the contest with great personality, we also found a defensive solidity. I saw important growth.

Manuel Lazzari Out & Matteo Guendouzi Will Be Rested

The Lazio manager confirmed Manuel Lazzari remains out of action while Matteo Guendouzi will be rested after playing against Juventus with a bruised toe.

Lazzari is recovering well. Guendouzi will be absent as a precautionary measure. We gave him a few more days of rest.

Expectations for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru & Loum Tchaouna

Finally, Baroni spoke highly of young summer signings Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Loum Tchaouna despite their limited impact in the early part of the season.

Dele-Bashiru is a strong player, he will eventually explode. He must find greater mental reactivity and think faster. He is a very participatory boy, as is Tchaouna. We must give them time to make mistakes and learn. I am convinced that they are working hard to find their optimal level. However, when a player arrives at a big club like Lazio, they have to show immediate signs of improvement.