Simone Inzaghi thanks Luis Alberto for returning so quickly after appendicitis, wants to keep the Lazio ‘momentum’ going and reveals he received the contract offer.
It took a Ciro Immobile goal to finally break the deadlock for the Biancocelesti’s sixth consecutive Serie A victory, beating Cagliari 1-0.
Simone Inzaghi thanks Luis Alberto for returning so quickly after appendicitis, wants to keep the Lazio ‘momentum’ going and reveals he received the contract offer.
It took a Ciro Immobile goal to finally break the deadlock for the Biancocelesti’s sixth consecutive Serie A victory, beating Cagliari 1-0.
“We knew this was a dangerous game, but the lads interpreted it in the best way and we ran very few risks at the back,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia, as usual having lost his voice by shouting during the match.
“We’ve got to keep this momentum going now, as we’re still trying to make up for dropping so many points in the early stages when we were stretched thin by the Champions League and COVID. There was a period when we had literally just 13-14 players available.
“We managed to scrape through in Europe, but inevitably dropped points in Serie A. We knew that we needed a string of victories to make up ground and we’ve now won six in a row, but we’re not there yet.
“It’s only natural we need our best players. We were without Lucas Leiva, Luiz Felipe, Luis Alberto, Immobile, but when we have our best players, we can have our say against anyone.”
The Aquile are now level on points with Roma in fourth and are up against second-placed Inter next weekend.
“We had two objectives at the start of the season. The first was to get into the Champions League Round of 16, something they hadn’t experienced here for 20 years. The other was to stay in the Europe that matters.
“There are five colossal clubs in the race with us, but we will have our say, as we always do.”
Luis Alberto was again absolutely furious when substituted, punching a corner flag and continuing to mutter as he walked his way back to the bench.
“I think we should give him a round of applause, because he played 10 days after appendix surgery, then today was only 16 days after. He did more than enough, as that kind of operation can require three or four weeks out at times.”
Inzaghi was asked about his contract extension talks with President Claudio Lotito and revealed they are in the final stages.
“I was given the offer three days ago, as with everything there is a negotiation process. The President has behaved very well with me, I’ve known him for 15 years. He made his offer and I think we’re at an advanced stage.”