Ex Arsenal Star Credits Marco Baroni for Lazio Success, Reveals Champions League Ambitions

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The Laziali

·21 November 2024

Ex Arsenal Star Credits Marco Baroni for Lazio Success, Reveals Champions League Ambitions

Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi feels his coach Marco Baroni deserves the bulk of the credit for the club’s exploits thus far this season.

Matteo Guendouzi Gives Plaudits to Lazio Coach Marco Baroni

The Biancocelesti are flying high at the moment. They are leading the 36-club Europa League group stage table with a perfect record, and sit one point behind Serie A league leaders Napoli. In his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via LazioNews24), the Frenchman explains how the Lazio boss managed to steer the team in the right direction, while remaining grateful to some of his former coaches.

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Most of the credit goes to Baroni. He gave us a beautiful and effective style of play. Everyone attacks and everyone defends. He gave us enthusiasm and an almost perfect organization. I have worked with excellent coaches thus far in my career. I must also be grateful to [Jorge] Sampaoli and [Maurizio] Sarri and Baroni. The latter has a playing philosophy very similar to that of [Unai] Emery and Sampaoli. Their football is very exciting for the fans.

Champions League & Trophy Ambitions

The former Arsenal man is aiming high, targeting a return to the Champions League next season.

We have to keep our feet on the ground, but we must not set limits. I would like to return to the Champions League but it won’t be easy. I would love to win a trophy with Lazio this season or even in the next few years. I would be very happy for the fans and the club.

Guendouzi Pleased with Lazio Choice

Guendouzi insists he made the right choice by joining the Italian capital side while also discussing his place in the French national team.

I feel very good at Lazio and in the Italian league. I am satisfied with the choice I made. I have improved a lot since my arrival. [France coach Didier] Deschamps is a former midfielder who played in Italy, so he knows how difficult Serie A is and how much you improve on a tactical level. France can count on several high-level players. I think we are the best national team in the world. Playing for Les Bleus is a childhood dream come true.

Duel Against Nicolo Rovella

The Lazio midfielder also weighed in on the duel against his Lazio teammate Nicolo Rovella in the recent UEFA Nations Clash between Italy and France.

Nicolo made a couple of borderline tackles on me, but it’s okay. We joked about it later. He has everything it takes to become a top player and be the best Italian midfielder in a short time. In fact, perhaps he already is. Together, we are putting on excellent displays.