Lazio President Claudio Lotito reveals he gave the order to ignore the media after a defeat to Juventus and ahead of tonight’s Champions League opener with Atletico Madrid he is ‘the face of the club.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Aquile finished second in Serie A last season to qualify for the group phase of the Champions League, but had a shaky start to the current campaign, losing three of their four games so far.
The only bright spark was a surprise victory away to reigning Champions of Italy Napoli.
“I think the start of the season does not reflect the potential of this squad,” Lotito told Sport Mediaset and Sky Sport Italia.
“We have important quality and I am sure we’ll have the right reaction to give our best for the fans. Lazio reached the Champions League deservedly, not because other teams were busy with other objectives.
“This team has the potential to compete with everyone, but we have to prove it on the pitch.”
Lazio refused to speak to the media after the defeat to Juventus on Saturday and Lotito reveals it was his decision to order a press silence.
“I gave the order not to speak in Turin. When there are these situations, it is important to be clear-headed. In life we must accept what happens, otherwise we lose our focus. I am here because my collaborators told me that I have to get back to being the reference point for this team. I am being the face of the club.”
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was sold to the Saudi Pro League and effectively replaced with free agent Daichi Kamada.
“In this transfer window, I worked hard and along with the director of sport I believe that we built a good team. Now the squad has to develop its own identity and then it will soar. Last season, Inter reached the Champions League Final, yet we beat them in Serie A. This team needs to realise how strong it is and then it can do well.
“We know the Champions League is complicated, but we must honour this competition and give our all.”