Sarri Explains Dele-Bashiru Omission & Why He Refused to ‘Betray’ Lazio

Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri was pleased with his team’s rebound victory over Genoa which came after back-to-back defeats. The Biancocelesti made short work of the struggling Grifone, with Matteo Cancellieri, Taty Castellanos and Mattia Zaccagni all getting on the scoresheet in a comfortable 3-0 victory away from home.

Lazio Earn Victory in Genoa with New Tactical System

After the contest, Sarri spoke to the members of the press, beginning with Sky Sport Italia (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), as he belittled the compulsory change in the system, insisting that the players’ performances is what matters the most.

If you play with this conviction and if the four attacking players perform as they did (against Genoa), you can play any way you like. I don’t think that’s the variable. It’s great that we managed to put on this performance after a difficult week. The victory is more than legitimate, but the result is perhaps a bit excessive.

Maurizio Sarri Refused to Abandon Lazio

Sarri made his return to Lazio at the start of the summer, and was promised a few additions to the squad. However, that proved to be impossible, as the club was then slapped with a transfer ban that prevented them from making any new signings. Nevertheless, the 66-year-old felt it was his duty to stick by the club and the fans at their darkest hour.

I agreed to return under different conditions. The choice had already been made, and it felt like leaving would have been a betrayal, especially towards the fans, who also showed up in great numbers this evening. The key issues were clearly that we had lost a derby in a controversial manner and that our standings needed to be improved very quickly.

Sarri Kept His Promise for Toma Basic

With five midfielders ruled out, the Lazio manager addressed the emergency situation by reinstating Toma Basic, who has always been in his plans. The Croatian started alongside Danilo Cataldi in the double pivot.

I spoke clearly with Basic on August 31st. He was temporarily out of the squad, but I considered him part of the team. He has always trained with us with great commitment. What I told him came true, and I was pleased with his professional response. It wasn’t an easy night for him.

Why Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Was Dropped From Lazio Squad

Basic’s return to the squad came at the expense of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who has now been omitted. While the decision to drop the Nigerian caused a stir at Lazio, Sarri insists it was due to the player’s physical condition and has nothing to do with his quality or performances.

We had a meeting with the doctors, and the longest prognosis was Dele-Bashiru’s. When he’s recovered, we’ll definitely bring him back. It’s not a technical decision. Basic’s return was necessary because we were left without midfielders.