A goalkeeper who came from nowhere and became one of Lazio’s certainties of the present and future. He had landed in Rome almost without expectations Christos Mandas last summer, taken from Ofi Crete for around one million euros with the role of third goalkeeper. Indeed, as agent Diego Tavano underlined “initially Lazio thought about having him return to OFI Crete on loan, then Sarri decided to keep him. He is a talent, he has established himself and I am happy because it was not easy to fit into such a context.” An important inclusion, rewarded first with his debut in the Italian Cup derby against Roma, then with nine consecutive appearances as a starter due to Provedel’s injury.
Managing the future
Mandas has become a heritage of Lazio and the company, after having aimed at it, will have to be good at locking it up. “We will certainly have to meet again to review a contract made quite quickly, as a third goalkeeper – adds the agent Tavano – but the player is ready, we will certainly have to talk but let’s see, there are also interests from abroad but we will talk about it with Lazio”. There has even been talk that Manchester City is looking at him, but no one in the Biancocelesti wants to give up on Mandas. Also because living with Provedel will not be a problem. “He’s so serious that he could even make it to the twelfth place,” says Tavano, “but soon we’ll talk to Lazio and understand his future.”
Provedel’s return
This opening also to the role of twelfth player lightens the management of the goal at Lazio. With the Europa League now only six points away, the Biancocelesti can start thinking about the future. Mandas could have the task of defending the posts in the cup, as he did well in the quarter-finals of the Italian cup due to his ailments Provedel. The debut in Europe is missing but it could come next season. Waiting for the end of this year, with the last three matches which should see Provedel again as the protagonist between the posts. The former Spezia player is well, he is back on the bench in Monza and on Sunday against Empoli it will probably be his turn to defend the Biancoceleste goal.