Lazio, Sarri: Fixture list unfair, players facing gruelling run | OneFootball

On the eve of the match against Sassuolo, Maurizio Sarri once again raises the issue of the international football calendar, highlighting the risks that players face between club and national team commitments.

Lazio, Sarri raises his voice: "Calendar needs to be revised, players are subjected to a tour de force"

The Biancocelesti coach did not mince his words: "How the national team players are doing, you have to ask their coaches. The players, by the end of the year, between the four national team breaks and all the call-ups, will have 48 days of absence. If we add the Africa Cup, the World Cup and holidays, they are practically paid for six months to be elsewhere. The calendar needs to be completely revised".

A direct attack on a system that, according to the coach, sacrifices the health of the players and penalizes the clubs.

Cases in Lazio: travel, injuries and reduced time

Sarri then gave concrete examples related to his players: "Dele-Bashiru arrived on Thursday after 16 hours of flight, we didn't let him train because it would have been destructive. Dia was out for 12 days. Rovella and Zaccagni came back from the National team with injuries and we don't know if Rovella will be available. His problem was probably underestimated: if they were certain they couldn't use him, they would have brought him back earlier".

A situation that, according to the coach, shows how recovery times are less respected in national teams compared to clubs.

Focus on Sassuolo: "Strong opponent, maturity will be needed"

Having put the calendar controversy aside, Sarri analyzed the match against Sassuolo: "It's a strong team, with an attack that few have. They had a difficult start in terms of results, but in my opinion, it will have nothing to do with the low ranking. Maturity will be needed: if the mental approach is the same as the first match we won't stand a chance, if it's the same as the last one, we will".

A clear warning to his Lazio, who are called upon to confirm the positive signs of recent outings without allowing for drops in concentration.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.