President Claudio Lotito lambasted his Lazio squad and Coach Simone Inzaghi, warning they must “repay” the larger salary bill. “If I was on the pitch, we’d get better results.”
The patron did not hold back in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, making it clear he won’t be blamed by fans for poor results.
“After Juventus, Lazio are the club that has won the most in the last eight years. Fiorentina won nothing, Napoli had less than us,” insisted Lotito.
President Claudio Lotito lambasted his Lazio squad and Coach Simone Inzaghi, warning they must “repay” the larger salary bill. “If I was on the pitch, we’d get better results.”
The patron did not hold back in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, making it clear he won’t be blamed by fans for poor results.
“After Juventus, Lazio are the club that has won the most in the last eight years. Fiorentina won nothing, Napoli had less than us,” insisted Lotito.
“We have seven players in the Italy Under-15 team. We set ourselves up for the future, not taking any short-cuts, as sport is based on merit, the spirit of sacrifice and that is why Lazio is considered a model club. Trophies matter, but what counts for even more is what you leave behind.
“We have one of the best training facilities in the world. We must be aware of our potential, but also humble. This team is lacking some of its President’s character to make the step up to the next level. When you go out there, you must give 300 per cent.
“Some are born lapdogs, others to go for a walk and then there are the fighters. I am a fighter and believe if you are determined enough, you will get results.
“I get angry with these players, as I am convinced they ought to give more. I gave Simone Inzaghi a Ferrari of a team and I believe this Lazio should be able to compete on level terms with everyone.
“The fact we won the Italian Super Cup against Juventus and Inter proves that. If Lazio had the character of the Treble-winning Inter, we’d be staring everyone down by now.
“I’ve done my work, but I am not the one who steps on to the pitch. If I did, we’d get better results. You need character to be a protagonist and cannot rest on your laurels.
“I raised the wage bill compared to the start of my tenure because we wanted to get the best out of our players. I did my part, I paid extra, so these players must go out there on the field and give me more in exchange. This is the season where they repay me. I’m done waiting.
“I am asking for results. I gave them a Ferrari of a team, now we have to achieve our objectives. I pay these players to win, otherwise I may as well field the youth team.”