President Claudio Lotito looks back to when he purchased the almost-bankrupt Lazio and sees ‘some analogies’ with Bayern Munich, while preparing to celebrate Ciro Immobile’s Golden Shoe award.
The Champions League Round of 16 tie kicks off at 20.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
President Claudio Lotito looks back to when he purchased the almost-bankrupt Lazio and sees ‘some analogies’ with Bayern Munich, while preparing to celebrate Ciro Immobile’s Golden Shoe award.
The Champions League Round of 16 tie kicks off at 20.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“This match is very important for the club, for me, for all our employees and above all the fans,” Lotito told Sky Sport Italia.
“I remember when I arrived in July 2004 and found a club in an irreversible coma, while today the side has, albeit on different levels, some analogies with Bayern Munich.
“The accounts are healthy and above all we achieved sporting results. Facing off against a side that won the Club World Cup and is feared by everyone means that we are on the right path that I hope will continue with further satisfaction.
“Our model on how to run a club is similar to Bayern Munich, based on the experience of individuals, the professionalism and sense of belonging that comes from spending years at Lazio.”
That includes coach Simone Inzaghi, who represented the Biancocelesti as a player, as a coach at youth level and now as a long-running senior tactician who is about to sign a new contract.
“There has never been tension with Inzaghi, just dialogue, which is what happens in a family between father and son,” continued Lotito.
“When I have to make a comment, I make it, but not with a repressive tone, it is dialogue to motivate and push for more. I think everyone in the club can give their contribution, democratically and while respecting our roles.”
This evening sees Ciro Immobile take on Robert Lewandowski, having beaten him to the Golden Shoe award last year as European football’s top scorer.
“I always believed in Immobile and we have created a good bond, one that goes beyond that of a President and player. Ciro is a great professional and a wonderful person.
“We are organising a big event to celebrate his Golden Shoe award, in a location that will become emblematic for the entire city. At this moment, Immobile represents the city.
“Not everyone can win this award, especially beating Lewandowski.”