Sarri Opens up on Lazio Mercato Debacle: “I Stepped Aside, Lotito Decides”

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The Laziali

·20 gennaio 2026

Sarri Opens up on Lazio Mercato Debacle: “I Stepped Aside, Lotito Decides”

In the aftermath of the agonizing defeat to Como, Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri faced the press while admitting that he’s no longer involved in transfer market decisions.

Lazio Concede Three Goals Against Como

The Biancocelesti were completely outplayed by Cesc Fabregas’ men, who took the lead in the second minute through Martin Baturina’s deflected shot. Nico Paz then bagged two goals, while squandering a spot-kick in between them.

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Maurizio Sarri Defends Lazio Peformance

In his post-match press conference (via Il Messaggero), Sarri argued that his team wasn’t as poor as the result suggested, at least in the first half, but their visitors were simply better at taking advantage of the chances that came their way.

When you concede after one minute against a team with outstanding ball circulation, things immediately become complicated. But the first half was less bad than it might seem: they entered our box three times, scored twice and won a penalty. We defended passively, then at 0–1 we had a chance with Cancellieri, and at 0–2 we could have halved the deficit with Zaccagni. The match was heavily influenced by the opening goal, but Como clearly have a level of quality superior to ours.

Player Ratings: Lazio 0-3 Como – Miserable Night for Marusic & Co

Despite the major mental blow, the 67-year-old urges his men to turn the page as they begin their preparations for the weekend trip to Lecce.

We need to be furious for one night and then regain our mental sharpness from tomorrow morning for Lecce. We have a thousand problems, but the biggest one is not turning them into alibis. The transfer market, injuries, integrating new players: they’re all difficulties, but we must get back to being mentally clean. In the last 18 matches we’ve only lost to the top three teams (Inter, Milan and Napoli). We’re not a bunch of amateurs; up to now we had been fighting. Let’s treat this as an off night, but not lump everything together. This evening, Como made the most of everything. We have to accept their superiority — they’re a strong opponent.

Sarri Admits Claudio Lotito is in Charge of the Market

The previous week was dominated by a back-and-forth public spat between Sarri, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s January business, and Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who insisted that he’s the one in charge at Formello.

Therefore, the head decided to take a back seat, leaving the initiative to the outspoken patron, who will be held accountable for the outcome of the transfer campaign.

The president occasionally has these outbursts — he’s the owner and he said the club handles the market. I’ve worked with (Napoli president) De Laurentiis, I’ve got broad shoulders, and it’s not the president who loses matches. The club’s transfer strategy is a mix of technical and financial needs. The president said he handles the market, and I stepped aside: we’ll see who arrives in January and hope for the best. The important thing is that I’m not dragged into the decisions and that no one says any arrivals were chosen by Sarri. Lotito is the president and he decides.

Lazio’s Ambitions for 25/26

Sarri also insisted that Lazio’s objective for the current campaign is to build for the future rather than qualifying for Europe.

The president said the objective is to reach Europe? Perhaps he was talking about a multi-year objective. He never asked me for Europe. This season, the European places are a mirage. It was and still is a season of construction.

Sarri & His Connection with the Lazio Fanbase

During the match, Lazio Curva Nord supporters expressed their appreciation for the manager by singing his name, and he returned the favor by illustrating how much he cares for the fanbase.

The fans’ love gives me energy but also frustration: right now we’re struggling to give them satisfaction, and I’m sorry. Everything I do, I do out of love for Lazio’s fans and for Lazio itself, which I’d like to take back to where it belongs. At the moment I can’t do that, but I thank them and I apologise for the disappointments we’re causing.