Simone Inzaghi is back on the Lazio bench after Marcelo Bielsa pulled out. “It all happened suddenly, but I felt my time here wasn’t over.”
The former striker was their Primavera youth team Coach until April, when he was promoted to replace sacked Stefano Pioli.
Bielsa was hired, but sensationally announced he wasn’t taking the job two days after the contract was deposited.
Simone Inzaghi is back on the Lazio bench after Marcelo Bielsa pulled out. “It all happened suddenly, but I felt my time here wasn’t over.”
The former striker was their Primavera youth team Coach until April, when he was promoted to replace sacked Stefano Pioli.
Bielsa was hired, but sensationally announced he wasn’t taking the job two days after the contract was deposited.
“The choice was made because Inzaghi is part of the Lazio family and is a Coach we always believed in,” explained director of sport Igli Tare.
“We had agreed with Simone to continue our rapport with Salernitana (the Serie B club also owned by President Claudio Lotito, ndr) if Bielsa did not arrive.”
Inzaghi was called in yesterday evening to take on the job with pre-season training already having begun.
“It all happened suddenly,” confessed the tactician. “Last season I thought that I would stay, then the club informed me they’d decided to make a change. At the same time, Lotito informed me of the chance to go to Salernitana.
“When it was all ready, problems emerged and the club told me to wait, but I wasn’t waiting for any old club – I was waiting for Lazio, the team I support and where I grew up.
“Lazio are counting on me, I know the work that awaits me, but I am confident because I know the lads and we have a strong empathy. I know they are with me and the club will help me in this journey.
“There could be some grumbling among fans and media, but the supporters I meet know full well I am a Lazio fan too and they can trust me. We have everything it takes to do well.
“I won’t deny that thanks to Lazio I did receive proposals, but I felt my time here wasn’t over. I would’ve gone to Serie B and waited, but then destiny had this turn in mind.
“I didn’t get the chance to meet Bielsa. I can just say I will try to do my best for this club with great desire and humility.”
Inzaghi confirmed Antonio Candreva has asked to leave Lazio, but he is determined to keep hold of Lucas Biglia.