Lazio squad unhappy with Sarri style, boss ‘won’t resign’ mid-season | OneFootball

Lazio’s squad are unhappy with Maurizio Sarri’s pragmatic approach, a mood recalling the weeks before his March 2024 resignation.

According to Il Messaggero, the players have not turned on the coach but want a more attacking approach and less sterile possession. The report says he will not resign mid-season.

Sarri’s first spell began in summer 2021 and peaked in 2022/23 when Lazio finished second in Serie A. Form tailed off in his third season, his authority waned and he resigned in March 2024, citing family reasons.

He returned last summer for a second stint, hindered by a transfer ban that blocked reinforcements. January exits, including Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos, further thinned the squad.

Sarri has lamented the squad’s quality, believing they are not capable of challenging the top spots. He has prioritised a tighter defence over flair, resulting in a more prosaic style.

The dynamic mirrors last spring. With the report adding he will not step down mid-season, any change would require the hierarchy to sack him and accept the financial hit.

Source: The Laziali