Sarri criticizes Lazio and officials: ‘I had hoped Guendouzi would be the future’
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri and Dodò of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Maurizio Sarri had valid reasons to be displeased following Lazio’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina, marked by officiating controversies and issues within his own club. ‘I wished Matteo Guendouzi would stay, I don’t even know who Petar Ratkov is. I assured the fans I’d endure whatever comes my way.’ The Aquile had submitted a formal complaint to the Lega Serie A, complete with documentation of mistakes that went against them, but had even more grievances during tonight’s match at the Stadio Olimpico. Mario Gila was denied a penalty in the first half, despite a shirt pull from Marin Pongracic, while VAR later intervened to give a significantly softer penalty when Albert Gudmundsson seemed to drag his foot to connect with Gila. At least Lazio salvaged a 2-2 draw in stoppage time when Pedro scored from the penalty spot after Pietro Comuzzo fouled Mattia Zaccagni.
Sarri expresses frustration with Lazio management and referees
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Referee Simone Sozza during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) “The first half was very promising, we created numerous chances, and it was disappointing to head into halftime at 0-0,” Sarri shared with DAZN Italia. “Our energy waned as the match progressed, but decisions just never seem to favor us. The penalty we were denied was quite difficult to overlook. Overall, it was a solid performance from Lazio, a response to the unfortunate display against Napoli. “The players are understandably a bit frustrated by this situation, and I share that frustration. I thought I had seen everything in football by now, but there’s a limit to our influence, so there’s no use wasting energy on it. “We must concentrate on improving the team, focusing on quality and skill, as we missed so many chances today.”
Sarri faced additional challenges as both Toma Basic and Mattia Zaccagni were forced to leave due to muscle injuries.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio acknowledges his fans after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Matteo Guendouzi started despite his impending transfer to Fenerbahce for around €28m plus €2m in bonuses, and reports indicate he will travel to Istanbul tomorrow morning. “I genuinely believed Guendouzi was among the seven or eight players we could utilize to shape Lazio’s future,” Sarri admitted. “We’re a club that is unable to match the salaries that other teams offer, so I understand the challenges we face.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Petar Ratkov, the new signing for SS Lazio, prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Sarri’s irritation also became evident when discussing Ratkov, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg earlier today as a replacement for Taty Castellanos. “I’m not familiar with this player. Perhaps those within the club know him better than I do, but I honestly don’t have much to say. I haven’t been able to follow Austrian football; my schedule doesn’t allow for it, but I will do my best to understand his strengths, weaknesses, and how to optimally employ him.”
PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, observes prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SS Lazio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 13, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Given the ongoing frustration with Lazio’s plans since he joined in the summer, tensions are undeniably rising. “I mentioned at the beginning of the season that I would remain here no matter what and endure every challenge. However, I’ve encountered more than I anticipated,” the coach continued. “What truly pains me is the fact that our fans are so wonderful, and I believe it’s going to be very difficult to bring them joy, and that weighs heavily on me.”
So, will Sarri remain at Lazio for the remainder of the season? “I made a promise to the Lazio fans. Therefore, I believe I will. The transfer window isn’t closed yet; I think the club still has many opportunities ahead.”
Published: 2026-01-07 23:06:00
source: football-italia.net
