Baroni: "I Always Stand By My Team. I Protect My Players, I Don’t Sacrifice Them. I Told Them It’s My Responsibility. Now, We Must Come Back Stronger."

Lazio endured a tough night at the Renato Dall’Ara, suffering a heavy defeat against Bologna that complicates their pursuit of a Champions League spot. Following the match, coach Marco Baroni addressed the media, analyzing the reasons behind the setback.

Baroni dismissed the notion that this was Lazio’s worst performance, instead emphasizing Bologna’s superiority on the night.

“No, it wasn’t about us being at our worst; we faced a team that was simply too strong. We arrived with little energy, dealing with several physical issues. Nuno, Taty, and Adam weren’t at their best, but they still played. We held our own in the first half, but conceding two quick goals right after the break took us out of the game. They were superior in every aspect—reactivity, physicality, and overall intensity. When you face a team in that condition, it’s difficult to contain them,” Baroni admitted.

Despite the defeat, the coach expressed his unwavering belief in his squad. “A coach is always concerned, especially with matches coming in quick succession, but I have complete trust in my players. We were still in the game in the first half, despite conceding early. Marusic even found himself in a dangerous position. But after the 3-0, with little physical energy left, our mental strength started to drop as well. Against a team as dominant as Bologna, that became too much to handle.”

Baroni defended his choices regarding the starting lineup, stating that Lazio has always rotated players and will continue to do so. “We’ve always used every player, and we’ll keep doing that. Big games are coming up, and we need players with depth and stamina. Bologna was in top physical and mental condition, and once they got two crucial goals, it became very hard to stay in the match. But I trust my players, including the new ones. The club is undergoing a renewal process, and we are all working towards that project.”

On Nuno’s condition, Baroni clarified that the player had some discomfort earlier in the day but still wanted to play. “He had some problems this morning, we did some checks, and I asked him if he felt up to it. He said yes, but he was visibly fatigued. However, I don’t think he’ll miss the international break.”

Despite the defeat, Baroni made it clear that he takes full responsibility and praised the Lazio fans for their continued support.

“I always stand by my team. Our fans never stopped supporting us, and they asked us to give everything until the end. I told them it’s my responsibility. Many of them traveled to be here, and they never abandoned us. That’s why I showed my face, as I always do.”

The coach also defended his decisions regarding player substitutions, particularly regarding Mattia Zaccagni. “I protect my players, I don’t sacrifice them. Zaccagni was playing well but was very tired. The same goes for Isaksen. I’d rather lose a match than risk a player. He suffered many fouls, and the same applies to Guendouzi and Vecino, who were both on yellow cards. I had to make choices to preserve them.”

Looking ahead, Baroni emphasized the need for Lazio to react positively in the upcoming matches. “We need to avoid conceding these kinds of goals. Bologna scored a great goal with a header, but we have to improve our defensive responses. Now, we must come back stronger.”

With crucial games on the horizon, Lazio will need to regroup quickly to keep their European ambitions alive.