Lazio President Claudio Lotito explains Igor Tudor resigned because he ‘wanted to change eight players’ and hinted Marco Baroni is lined up to take over as coach.
The club had only hired Tudor in March when Maurizio Sarri suddenly handed in his resignation, with the plan to build a new era at the Stadio Olimpico.
Instead, the Croatian had significantly problematic differences of opinion with Lotito over how to construct the squad and they ultimately decided it was best to terminate the rapport now.
“Tudor wanted to change eight players, too many for a squad we consider to be at the right standard,” Lotito told news agency ANSA.
“However, he left on very good terms, I want to make that clear. You will know the new coach soon, we have clear ideas, but I have not yet signed any contracts.”
Lotito stalls over new Lazio coach
It is widely reported by multiple sources that the deal has been reached with former Verona coach Baroni, who is set to sign a two-year agreement with the club.
In the comments to the press, Lotito denied the return of Sarri, along with suggestions of interest in Roberto De Zerbi, Miroslav Klose or Max Allegri.
Notably, he did not confirm or dismiss the choice of Baroni.
“What counts is that we will be competitive. We were this season too, if we hadn’t dropped points against low-level teams like Salernitana. This side deserved more.”
Lazio finished the campaign in seventh place in Serie A, while they were eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Bayern Munich.