Simone Inzaghi is “stunned” by Keita Balde Diao’s behaviour and “needs people who are proud to wear the Lazio shirt.”
Their season kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) against Atalanta. Click here for a match preview.
All focus was on Keita, who is not on the squad list after transfer speculation seemed to have died down.
Simone Inzaghi is “stunned” by Keita Balde Diao’s behaviour and “needs people who are proud to wear the Lazio shirt.”
Their season kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) against Atalanta. Click here for a match preview.
All focus was on Keita, who is not on the squad list after transfer speculation seemed to have died down.
“Yesterday he had a fitness problem and the tests were negative,” explained the Coach in a tetchy Press conference.
“This morning he tried to train, but said he still had problems and didn’t want to be in the squad list. I had to accept that and go forward with what I have.
“I’ve got 24 hours to think about it, but I must go forward with those who are convinced of the project, who want to win and are proud to wear the Lazio shirt.
“I started Keita seven times last season, nobody made him do that. I tried to motivate him, he alternated positive with less positive moments.
“What happened yesterday left me stunned. The lad felt a little pain, the tests were negative, but today he said he was still in pain. I wanted to use him, especially now we haven’t yet brought in a replacement for Antonio Candreva.
“I just have to keep going with those who are happy to be at Lazio. We will play 4-3-3. Filip Djordjevic could even play wide, but I’ve got Lombardi and Oikonomidis too.
“We are talking too much about Keita and giving him too much importance. The team is in good shape, concentrated and with lads who are doing everything for Lazio. We want to get off to a strong start.
“We are travelling to play against a strong Atalanta side and must be wary of them. I really admire Coach Gian Piero Gasperini and got to know him at Amalfi.
“A Coach has to make his decisions. Etrit Berisha wasn’t called up because he has an injury, but I won’t hide that my first choice in goal is Federico Marchetti.”
Considering all the tension within the Lazio camp, does Inzaghi want to work with potential signing Mario Balotelli?
“He is a player who hasn’t done very well in recent years, but could train well. The problem will be if Mario Balotelli comes to Lazio and how he’ll settle into the group. Anyone who comes here must train with pride.
“I was clear last season too, Lucas Biglia is our captain, a leader and a focal point. He is not up for debate.”