Lazio Director Dismisses Sarri’s Jabs: “He Likes to Joke, He Scouted Ratkov” | OneFootball

You’ve been asking about the player since he arrived. He’s a 2003-born player who fits into the club’s technical project, aimed at rejuvenating the squad. We have high hopes for him; he doesn’t need to prove anything, as he already showed his value at Salzburg. The coach is Tuscan, he likes to joke — he said similar things about Castellanos. Ratkov was scouted by Sarri and his staff. That remark shouldn’t be taken as meaning he didn’t know the player; for intellectual honesty, that needs to be said. Sarri jokes — he’s a true Tuscan. He meant he didn’t know the player 100%, which is also a way to motivate him. Let’s treat the ‘not knowing’ Ratkov line as a joke. I often appreciate his humour. He watches every match, including European games, and he had also seen Bologna against Salzburg. Let’s put everything back into the right context, otherwise the lad might think he’s in the wrong place. Sometimes you manage to sign a recommended player, sometimes you don’t.

Ratkov can be an added value. There is planning behind this — they (Ratkov and Kenneth Taylor) were not chosen by chance. We followed him for a long time thanks to our scouting department. We had him on our radar and specifically watched him in Bologna–Salzburg; we really wanted him. When Taty asked to leave, we granted his request and immediately identified his replacement. He has the ability to attack the box and will help the team.

I’m happy to be here, at one of the best clubs in Italy and among the biggest in Europe. I’m pleased to be here with the directors; I’ve enjoyed my first week and I’m happy with how I’ve settled in. I’m ready for this, for this new challenge. I was one of the senior players at my previous club. I feel ready. When I heard about Lazio’s interest, I immediately thought: ‘OK, I want to go.’ I spoke to (Sergej) Milinković-Savic — he told me it was the best club and the best city for me. I want to stay here for a long time, I really hope so.

I’m tall, but I’m also technically good. I can make the difference with assists too, not just finishing. You can expect a lot from me. When I was in Serbia, one coach wanted to play a bit like Lazio do, even if the level was different. It won’t take long for me, as I feel this style of play is already in my legs. I’ve always said my idol is Lewandowski; I’ve taken inspiration from him to improve. I’d be happy to score goals, but the most important thing is reaching Europe with the team.

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