Pellegrini: "At The Start Of The Season, No One Really Talked About Us, And We Prefer It That Way. We Let Others Handle The Pressure While We Quietly Focus On Our Game. We Must Always Keep The Desire To Win."

Lazio’s left-back Luca Pellegrini has shared insights into the changes within the team under coach Marco Baroni, who has guided the Capital Eagles to an impressive start in Serie A and the Europa League this season. 

Speaking to Il Tempo, Pellegrini highlighted the team’s hard work and the balance they strive to maintain: "We’ve been working intensely since the retreat. Our enthusiasm is a strength, but we need to be cautious not to let it turn into overconfidence."

Praising Baroni’s impact, Pellegrini said, "He’s a smart, empathetic manager who understands how to bring out the best in a team like ours. We’ve always been a strong, united group, but he’s helped us a lot."

One significant change Pellegrini noted was the increased involvement of the entire squad in the rotation system. "A good coach recognizes the strengths of his team. He treats everyone equally, whether they play five minutes or 90. Of course, playing 38 games feels better than just five, but the team’s impact remains the same."

The defender also addressed external perceptions of Lazio, saying, "At the start of the season, no one really talked about us, and we prefer it that way. We let others handle the pressure while we quietly focus on our game. We have weaknesses, but we’ve learned to hide them well."

Reflecting on the transformed atmosphere in the dressing room, Pellegrini emphasized the team’s hunger and determination: "We must always keep the desire to win, like the tackle I made against Porto. Every ball matters. We fight for each other—‘I die for you, and you die for me.’ Pedro, for instance, played like a 20-year-old in our last match. He’s an inspiration to us all."