Maurizio Sarri Reveals Why He Returned to Lazio, Explains Difference between His Two Squads

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The Laziali

·24 July 2025

Maurizio Sarri Reveals Why He Returned to Lazio, Explains Difference between His Two Squads

Maurizio Sarri has finally been unveiled by Lazio in a press conference held on Thursday afternoon. The 66-year-old was presented by club president Claudio Lotito who also answered several questions.

Maurizio Sarri Explains Why He Chose Lazio Above Other Destinations

The returning manager tackled several topics, and was obviously asked about the unpleasant situation caused by the transfer ban. But first, the presser began on a positive note, with Sarri explaining how his bond with the fans and people at the club prompted his return to the club despite having several other offers, as reported by La Lazio Siamo Noi.

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I had to leave due to a difficult moment in my personal life. Some said I came back because I had no other offers. Actucally, four Serie A clubs, an Arab club and South American sides all contacted me. I chose Lazio for the bond with the club and the environment, including the warehouse workers and the chef. It’s a satisfaction to return, difficulties are part of the journey. The fans are one of the reasons why I said that the Lazio feeling invades your heart. It’s normal for the fans to be angry, but in the end, they’re here. This is what it means to be a Lazio supporter, it’s one of the reasons I came back to this environment.

Sarri Ready to Work with What He Has

Sarri also urged everyone at Lazio to focus on improving their game since the club cannot sign any new players.

The goal is to build a solid foundation and then add more in the future. That would be a huge achievement. Clearly, the team needs something more to make a qualitative leap, but now, the primary goal is to develop those who are here. The key words are humility, because we’re coming off two seventh-place finishes, but also conviction. There’s no point thinking about other things that sap energy. We can grow through hard work. That’s always the case. I’ve asked for fierce determination every single day so we can improve.

Sarris Rules Out Lorenzo Insigne Reunion

The former Napoli manager admitted that a reunion with Lorenzo Insigne is now a pipe dream amidst the transfer ban.

I’ve erased my wish list since the transfer window was closed. I’m only focused on improving the squad I have, otherwise I’d shift my attention to something I can’t control. Lorenzo has given me so much, but now, from what I heard from the president, those options aren’t there.

Do Lazio Have a Weaker Squad Now?

Sarri also highlighted the differences between the squad he had during his first tenure (which contained stars like Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson) and the one he found upon his return.

I see a team that’s working hard in training. In the past, we had more accomplished players; it was a different situation. This team is most likely lacking a bit from a technical standpoint; we can also work on the athletic aspect. We’ll take the qualities we have and try to enhance them, then we’ll see. The ones who left were symbols, so finding competent replacements for them was always going to be difficult.

On Baroni’s Lazio & Belahyane’s Role

The Tuscan tactician also revealed what he liked about Lazio under the tutelage of his predecessor, Marco Baroni.

I wasn’t impressed by the tactics, but by the energy he unleashed on the pitch, both mentally and emotionally. That’s what I said about Baroni’s Lazio. I never talked about tactical aspects. I play a different kind of football, for better or worse. Baroni was criticized for his 4-2-3-1 formation, which didn’t protect the midfielders. Now they’ll tell me to remove a midfielder. It’s hard to please everyone. We’re trying to get Belahyane to be the third midfielder. After a month, we’ll see if he can do it or not. He has good ball control.