Maurizio Sarri reacts to Lazio knocking Celtic out of Europe after 2-0 Champions League loss

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Not the game Celtic wanted. Another Champions League game. Another game on the road. Another defeat. And now out of Europe pre-Christmas once again.

What’s even worrying for Celtic about the 2-0 defeat to Lazio last night is that Maurizio Sarri didn’t even play his strongest XI – Chris Sutton reacted to the loss also.

The 64-year-old opted to start star striker Ciro Immobile and ex-Barcelona man Pedro from the bench.

And the Lazio boss responded to why he did that by telling Football Italia ‘I had weapons on the bench’ and how ‘I expected this response’.

Look, up until the final ten minutes, Celtic were battling and trying to make something from the game.

The first half was pretty dull for both teams, not much attacking quality on show or risks being taken. Understandable given what was at stake.

But in the second half, Celtic were more on the front foot and trying to get something from the match, only to struggle to create proper chances, then Ciro Immobile entered the action and it was game over before you could blink.

Sarri reaction to Lazio 2-0 Celtic

“I expected this response, but it is odd that this season we keep doing well in Europe and not in Serie A,” said Sarri.

“Now I want to see the same attitude in the league at the weekend. If it was an issue of motivation, that would be a problem. The Champions League atmosphere gives us energy, but we must find it in Serie A too. It might be more prestigious for a player to do well on a night like this, but that is a weakness.

“Some situations were forced upon us. We have to take into consideration that we are playing every three days, so this morning we decided to pick Castellanos and bring these two weapons onto the bench for later.

“I prefer to have Immobile play 30 minutes like tonight rather than see him exhausted within a couple of matches.”

Problems beyond Brendan Rodgers

This just isn’t a Brendan Rodgers problem, but a wider problem that has been seeping through the club for years.

A change of mindset, ambition and planning for Europe needs to take place.

There is a lack of belief that the team can win and pick up those three points, especially on the road.

It’s going to be interesting to see what the reaction is from the powers that be regarding the January transfer window because fans will rightfully want to see some players coming in.