Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso was enthralled with his team's large victory in Sassuolo, while reserving special praise for Kenneth Taylor.
The Biancocelesti extended their purple run by registering their eighth win in the first nine Serie A rounds, as they pummelled the 10-man Sassuolo Neroverdi by six goals to two . The Italian capital side will end the matchday in first place, unless Inter Milan beat Venezia by two goals or more on Wednesday.
In his post-match interviews and press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi ), Gattuso expressed his delight with his team's form, insisting that high pressing is key to their game; otherwise, they risk conceding goals.
I'm satisfied. Playing in midweek was also something new for us. There was some concern, we didn't rotate the team, and I changed only one player. We're very pleased, and we benefited when they were reduced to 10 men. Two weeks ago, we had already experienced something similar against Monza, when we suffered terribly.Today, we took another step forward. We started the game in a way I really like. Fantastic stuff. We don't look at the table, otherwise we'd get drunk on happiness and get carried away. We have to focus on our own journey and do things the right way.When we stop being aggressive in pressing our opponents, we become vulnerable. People might tell me, 'Can we do it?' If we don't, the lines get broken, so don't put too much pressure on the centre-backs.
Taylor was one of the main stars of the show in the first half, producing a goal and an assist. However, Gattuso decided to replace him at the interval after receiving a yellow card. The head coach thus revealed that the midfielder was upset with the decision, while praising his elusive quality.
Taylor was a bit pissed off today because I substituted him at half-time, but he had been booked, and I didn't want to give them an advantage.Dele-Bashiru is pushing hard, but Taylor is a player who is always in the right position and sees things that we mere mortals cannot see. He's fantastic.
Player Ratings: Sassuolo 2-6 Lazio – Noslin Steals the Limelight
The 48-year-old explained why Sassuolo are a tricky opponent, and noted that Lazio shouldn't have dropped their guard.
They're an awkward team to face. They pass the ball around right in your face, and if they win it back, they immediately play vertically. It's only natural that we did well. We knew that if we built our attacks in a certain way, we would cause them problems, but you always have to concede something.However, I think we weren't good enough for about 25 minutes at putting pressure on them high up the pitch. We were caught somewhere in between, and we could have done better. I was concerned, and we prepared for the match in the video room. We didn't go out onto the pitch. They did well to understand what kind of game it would be.
Tijjani Noslin stole the show in the second half by bagging a superb brace. Gattuso also highlighted the Dutchman's gritty approach and willingness to work hard off the ball.
Look at the determination with which he presses and the strength he puts into it. With a player like that, opponents are always under pressure.He often tracks back twice to prevent the opposing winger from getting forward. For me, that is extremely important. He is putting in an incredible amount of work.
Gattuso was also grateful to Simone Inzaghi, who compared his Lazio to the current edition while praising the Calabrian's work at Formello.
I thank him. It means a lot to me. His Lazio side were strong, both defensively and tactically. They were a difficult team to play against, and I remember them well.It's an honour for me to hear that from him. Coming from him, those words mean a great deal to me and my team.
Watch: Lazio Pummel Sassuolo in Eight-Goal Thriller – The Highlights
The legendary Milan midfielder was jokingly asked if he'll hold up a sign reading '-15', a reference to the number of points Lazio still needs to reach the 40-point mark, which is considered the threshold to avoid relegation.
I'm not putting up any signs. I'll just remind them that there are 15 points still to play for. When you take a beating in life, you mustn't forget it. Three months ago, we were knocked out in the first round of the Coppa. We cannot forget that.We'll have to be good enough to deal with the negative moments when they arrive. When you're winning, everything is easier.
Gattuso was delighted with the 10,000 Lazio supporters who flocked to the Mapei Stadium on a midweek day, making the players feel at home.
I told the team about it. It's Tuesday, and there were 10,000 people in the stadium. I told them that it's down to the players, to their commitment and to what they're showing.All I can do is thank everyone. It was an incredible evening. When I finally relaxed, I closed my eyes and thought: 'How wonderful is what we're doing? If only I could see something like this at our own ground as well…'
The Lazio coach reiterated his desire to play at a packed Stadio Olimpico, but there's little he could do about this thorny matter, as it's up to club president Claudio Lotito to make peace with the boycotting supporters.
I've been hoping for their return since the very first day. We have an objective with the players, and I don't know whether we'll achieve it. But we must show that we're honouring this shirt and make our fans change their minds.I often speak to the president. I am his employee, and he is the one who has to make the decisions. He is old enough to make them, and he is a very intelligent man, I can assure you of that, but it is his decision.I would like the fans to come and fill the Olimpico and give us a helping hand. That's what I think. But I cannot change either the supporters' minds or the president's. That is something between them. Let's hope so. It is my wish. There is nothing more I can do with Lotito beyond telling him what I think.
