Keita Balde Diao’s agent has warned that the player is not happy sitting on the bench at Lazio and may consider his future come January.
The 19-year-old has not started under Stefano Pioli since Week 2’s win over Cesena and it is a situation that has his agent already stirring the pot.
“We’re in a period of reflection, we’re trying to understand the motivation behind his exclusion,” Ulisse Savini has told Radiosei 98.100 today.
Keita Balde Diao’s agent has warned that the player is not happy sitting on the bench at Lazio and may consider his future come January.
The 19-year-old has not started under Stefano Pioli since Week 2’s win over Cesena and it is a situation that has his agent already stirring the pot.
“We’re in a period of reflection, we’re trying to understand the motivation behind his exclusion,” Ulisse Savini has told Radiosei 98.100 today.
“He’s a positive, self-critical boy who’s trying to give his utmost to win over the Coach. Its obvious he’s not jumping with joy.”
It was suggested to the agent that that last year’s €8m signing Felipe Anderson is currently preferred for tactical reasons.
“I think its exclusion. He’s a boy who trains professionally and lives a healthy life and for Lazio these are important values.
“When he’s on the pitch, he always gives 100 per cent, but it’s clear that he’s not first choice. In the past few games they [Lazio] have rotated everyone except for Keita.
“The Coach makes his decisions, and perhaps either technically or tactically he has a player that doesn’t please him.”
“Keita is good friends with Felipe Anderson, and he’s first to be happy when Felipe is reaching his potential. In Keita’s case, plans have been made, and today I have to realise that Keita doesn’t appear to be part of those plans. I’m happy for the other players but not for mine.
“With Lazio, dialogue is always very open when it comes to Keita, his contract renewal was within the club’s parameters and the player’s expectations.
“Together we’ve decided to ignore the calls from other clubs suggesting that the player be given a valuation, but sitting on the substitutes’ bench doesn’t work either.
“It’s premature to start having conversations like this after only three games, but if he does end up losing the next few months we will have to re-think things.”
Savini was asked about technical or tactical alterations Keita may have to make to fit in.
“I’ve watched all the matches – I don’t know Pioli so I can’t judge. It looks like that they play with two wingers that, unlike other years, cut into the centre.
“These are moves that allow other players to shine, where as Keita beats his man and heads for the by-line. Keita knows this.
“I’ve not spoken to the club – the process should take its correct course, which is to say, if the Coach picks a winning team then I don’t want to pick up the phone to cause problems. The boy has asked me not to intervene.
“Our aim is to have a great season with Lazio and to understand what the plans for the future are. This situation makes you have thoughts in the moment but they are dictated by your mood and so are not worth considering.
“But if come December and we’re still in the same situation and there are better offers, then we’ll have to consider them, whilst sharing our thoughts with Lazio.
“He’s not saying that he should be a starter rather that he has quality that warrants more playing time.”