Lazio President Claudio Lotito expressed his belief that the club’s new coach, Igor Tudor, embodies “some of my character” and suggested that Maurizio Sarri had been “creating alibis” for the team. The deterioration in the relationship between the club’s president and Sarri had become evident, yet Sarri’s resignation following four consecutive defeats in all competitions still came as a surprise to many.
Lotito stated, “It was not planned, but when the emergency situation developed, I made a choice and am convinced it was the right one,” speaking to the official Lazio channel.
Following Sarri’s resignation, Giovanni Martusciello, his assistant manager, assumed the role of caretaker coach for a Serie A victory away to Frosinone. Subsequently, Tudor was appointed on an 18-month contract and commenced training this week.
“I appointed a coach who is determined and adept at both motivating and disciplining players, which is crucial in football,” Lotito remarked. “Each player must assume responsibility, as Lazio aims for success rather than being merely a stepping stone, a fact acknowledged by all, including our new coach.”
Lotito expressed his confidence in Tudor’s ability to reignite the team’s hunger, pride, and sense of belonging. He highlighted Tudor’s potential to instill faith in the team and its capabilities, particularly in matches where they have faltered against smaller opponents despite securing results against stronger adversaries.
Lotito’s comments regarding Sarri were subtly critical, particularly referencing Sarri’s previous assertions that Lazio lacked the capacity to compete in multiple competitions simultaneously.
“I see in Tudor some traits reminiscent of myself; he is authentic. The tendency to make excuses is misguided. It sends the wrong message to the team, and we require players in optimal condition to compete,” Lotito emphasized. “Yesterday, Tudor clearly stated in his press conference: ‘Playing well is acceptable, but winning is paramount.’ We are now poised to achieve that.”
Despite their continued involvement in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Lazio faces an uphill battle to secure qualification for the Champions League this season. Presently occupying ninth place in Serie A, they trail Roma by eight points in fifth and Bologna by nine points in fourth.