Lazio have qualified for the Champions League, but director of sport Igli Tare drops a huge hint he is leaving this summer and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could do the same. ‘We need to evaluate what is best for the club.’
The news came through this evening that Juventus have been docked 10 points in the capital gains scandal, which automatically bumps the Biancocelesti up to second.
“It was not an easy situation to deal with, knowing you are in one day and out the next, that can really affect the motivation of the players. The sooner there is clarity, the better for everyone,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.
It also means Maurizio Sarri’s men cannot now be caught and will be in the Champions League next season along with Scudetto winners Napoli and two more clubs.
There could also in theory be a fifth, if Roma win the Europa League and do not finish in the top four in Serie A.
“It is enormously satisfying, the fruits of the work done by the coach, players and club who created a squad for this level. We had a season with many positive moments and a few that weren’t, but that is part of the growth process for a side that is in the process of raising the bar.”
Lazio had not qualified for the Champions League since 2020-21, when they reached the Round of 16, but that was the lone appearance in the group stage since 2007-08.
However, Tare might not be the man who is helping Sarri put together the squad over the summer, as he practically confirmed his exit.
“I have great affection and love for this club, I was here for 18 years overall and that is a bond that will never be broken. My contract expires in just over a month, we need to evaluate with the President what is best, but I too will consider what is best for my future.
“I have been at this club for a long time. At the end of a journey, it is right to evaluate and make the right decision, above all for the club. I am clear on my own ideas, I will talk to the President, but there aren’t many things to clarify. What matters is what is best for the club and I will play my part in that.”
Much has been said in the media about Tare’s fractious rapport with coach Sarri, so he reveals they even joked about it.
“We bought each other boxing gloves at the start of the season… I don’t know where these stories come from and who put them out there. It was a different rapport with Simone Inzaghi, but my admiration for Sarri remains the same. Both the President and I wanted to bring him to Lazio.
“I always expressed my thoughts within the club. There’s no doubt we both have strong characters, but what ties us is wanting what is best for Lazio. Each of us contributed to achieving our target this season.”
Tare isn’t the only one who looks to be leaving Lazio this summer, as Milinkovic-Savic has also been linked with a departure, seeing as his contract is running down in June 2024.
“For the good of everyone, we will sit around a table and clarify this. What I say for me is also valid for him, he has a strong bond with Lazio, he admires and respects the club and coach. Anything can happen, including that he could be sold to another club.”
The negotiations for a new deal seem improbable, so Milinkovic-Savic has reportedly promised he won’t let his contract run down and leave as a free agent.