Lazio President Claudio Lotito concedes “some criticism is justified,” but he is “carrying the mistakes made by others.”
The Aquile had finished third last season and reached the Coppa Italia Final, but now find themselves out of Europe, the Coppa and the running for continental qualification.
They fired Coach Stefano Pioli after a 4-1 defeat to arch rivals Roma, appointing Simone Inzaghi to the end of this term.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito concedes “some criticism is justified,” but he is “carrying the mistakes made by others.”
The Aquile had finished third last season and reached the Coppa Italia Final, but now find themselves out of Europe, the Coppa and the running for continental qualification.
They fired Coach Stefano Pioli after a 4-1 defeat to arch rivals Roma, appointing Simone Inzaghi to the end of this term.
“Most of us, at this point, would be tempted to throw in the towel and shelve this season entirely,” wrote Lotito in the official club magazine.
“But not us at Lazio, or at least not us who still deeply love these colours. Everything suggests we should throw the work done into the bin, seeking a single scapegoat and criticise everything.
“Some of the criticism is justified for a series of reasons, of considerations, of expectations that were not met.
“The criticism is only partly appeased by the packed fixture list, the always full treatment centre. I repeat, these are not excuses.
“It is not in my character to seek alibis, even my strongest detractors know that, as I always take on my share of the responsibility.
“On the other hand, when in a family everything is going well, the children study successfully, the wife is happy, the economic situation has no problems, then the head of the family is not given the credit. If instead things go badly, he is the scapegoat.
“Besides, I am accustomed to carrying on my shoulders the mistakes made by others…
“But we go forward, it’s not important who has the credit or the blame, the important thing is that we go forward. And now, I demand that everyone triples or quadruples their efforts from Coaches to players and fitness staff.
“And nobody dare put in doubt all that I have done, that I am doing and I will do, always with the one thought in my mind: what is best for Lazio.
“For this great passion and love I sacrificed my life, so I reaffirm in this difficult moment my utmost commitment to those who are sharing this adventure and I want the maximum honesty in looking deep down to reach the decision on whether to remain or not.
“Either you are with Lazio or you are out.”