Igor Tudor spoke his first words as the new Lazio head coach, opening up about his plans at the club, the work ahead and the qualities of his squad.
The 45-year-old Croatian coach officially put pen to paper on his contract with the Biancocelesti on Monday, less than a week after Maurizio Sarri caused chaos by unexpectedly handing in his letter of resignation. He has agreed to a one-year deal lasting to June 2025 with an option for a second.
With only six Lazio players away on international duty, Tudor can now take advantage of the break to start getting to know his new squad ahead of his first game in charge against Juventus on March 30th. The club currently sit ninth in the table, 11 points behind fourth place Bologna.
Speaking to Lazio Style Channel, Tudor first discussed his decision to take over at the Biancocelesti.
“You don’t need any particular reason to come and coach a prestigious club like Lazio. Reaching these levels is the goal of all coaches.
“Coming to be part of this club, coaching a strong team, with special fans, in a city like Rome, how could I not accept?”
He commented on his first 48 hours with the Roman club.
“I’ve already seen the facilities at Formello. Here you can work well, there are all the prerequisites and facilities necessary for a coach, which are also very nice.
“I noticed seriousness and an organization of the club where everyone is predisposed to work well, in a simple but fair way.
“A family, as I like it. From the outside I have always seen that here the coach is given an important role in order to do his job well.”
Tudor spoke about the word ahead of his Lazio squad.
“Lazio can still give a lot. We need to get to work. It’s not easy to come after a coach who plays a different type of football from yours.
“It definitely takes some time to adapt, but I believe I have a healthy group of people who apply themselves. It will be up to me to be quick to convey my ideas. We will do it quickly.”
Finally, Tudor discussed his tactical plans at Lazio and thoughts on a few of the individuals in the squad.
“Matteo (Guendouzi, ed.) I haven’t seen him yet, but I know he’s a winner, he has the mentality that is needed in certain teams where there are demanding players. Niccolò (Casale, ed.) is a golden boy, as well as a strong player. He will certainly be useful.
“I was a defender, but I also played in midfield, and I also played full-back with Lippi. As a coach, however, I like to work a lot on the offensive phase. When it comes to defending, it’s not only the defenders or the goalkeeper. The whole team is needed.
“A spirit of sacrifice is needed, which must never be lacking. As a coach I don’t give up anything. I want to see grit in transitions, in the defensive and offensive phases, quality of play and running in space.
“Modern football is going in this direction, attacking with many players and trying not to be boring. I’m never satisfied.”