It all seemed settled, then Sarri returned. And with him also the confidence in those who seemed finished. Another turnaround in goal, and a new acquisition on the way
Provedel-Mandas, cambia di nuovo tutto: ecco il nuovo portiere in arrivo (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
Lazio has experienced a bit of an odyssey this year with goalkeepers. Sure, being one of the most beaten defenses in the league has not helped, but Ivan Provedel’s mediocre season has not helped either. So many mistakes, so many reviewable performances, until he ended up on the bench. At that point in came Christos Mandas, who played an absolute star finish.
It all seemed written: Mandas starting for the next ten years, Provedel leaving. But, surprise, Lazio changes again. Maurizio Sarri’s return has shuffled the cards. And it is not just a matter of names: it is really a matter of ideas. Sarri’s soccer has its own rules. He needs a goalkeeper who is good with his feet. One who can think like a director, not just parry.
It is no coincidence that Sarri himself had pushed for Provedel, taking him all the way to a call-up to the national team. Then, with the coach’s departure, he too slipped into a downward parabola. But now, with the return of the former Chelsea and Napoli man, it all opens up again. Provedel can really be the starter again. And Mandas? He could be the sacrifice.
Lazio, Mandas verso la cessione: può arrivare Montipò
Mandas has a market, especially in the Premier. And Lazio, which certainly does not need two goalkeepers of this value, could choose to monetize precisely with the Greek. It is difficult to think that they will both stay. And even more difficult for either of them to agree to play second fiddle to the other. One of the two will leave. And right now, the more expendable one is Mandas.
Lazio, Mandas verso la cessione: può arrivare Montipò (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
At that point he needs to be replaced. And the name circulating is that of Lorenzo Montipò. A goalkeeper who experienced a difficult season, probably the worst of his career. At Verona, he lost confidence, performance, and perhaps even a bit of desire. But his qualities with his feet are not in question. And that is enough to rekindle Sarri’s interest.
Montipò seems to have reached the end of a cycle. He needs a change of scenery. Verona knows this and is considering selling him. Lazio is watching, evaluating and preparing the move. Because Montipò would not arrive to be a second, but to be a real alternative. One who can put pressure on Provedel and – maybe – even steal his place.
There is nothing random about it. It is a technical choice, of course. But before that, it is a tactical choice. And Sarri, when it comes to goalkeepers, is almost never wrong. After all, if he has to start from an idea, better to do it with those who can bring that same idea to the field from the very first pass.
This article Provedel-Mandas, everything changes again: here’s the new goalkeeper on the way appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
