Lazio Manager Baroni: Team Needs Rest After Narrow Win Against Lecce

Following Lazio’s challenging 2-1 victory over Lecce, who were reduced to 10 men, manager Marco Baroni acknowledged that his team is beginning to feel the effects of a demanding schedule. “We need to recharge our batteries,” Baroni stated.

The match at Stadio Via del Mare was a tense affair, with Lazio still reeling from their recent 6-0 defeat to Inter. Taty Castellanos opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Frederic Guilbert was sent off for a handball on the goal line. However, Lecce managed to equalize through Tete Morente’s volley.

It wasn’t until the 87th minute that substitute Adam Marusic secured the winner for Lazio. The team had to endure a nervous finish, with Mohamed Kaba’s header striking the crossbar in stoppage time.

Baroni commented on the match’s difficulties: “The game was more disorganized than usual. Lecce were aggressive in their approach, which we anticipated. Playing against 10 men didn’t necessarily make things easier for us.”

The manager emphasized the importance of mental strength in such tight contests. “These types of messy games can only be won with determination and the right mindset. You need belief and unity to avoid losing composure,” he explained.

Baroni also highlighted the team’s fatigue, noting that Lazio has played 10 matches in just 58 days. He stressed the importance of the upcoming brief Christmas break for his players to recuperate.

Looking ahead, Lazio faces Atalanta on December 28th. Baroni plans to spend time with his family during the short break, recognizing his own need for rest amidst the packed fixture list.

The match concluded with Lazio effectively down to 10 men as well, with Tijjani Noslin visibly struggling in the final minutes. Baroni admitted, “We got too deep and fear set in. We were fortunate to hold on for the win.”