According to reports, Maurizio Sarri told the Lazio squad he was tending his resignation because ‘you are not with me anymore’ and the players immediately leaked it.
Multiple sources report that Sarri resigned today, although the club is yet to formally accept the resignation, but he has already left the Formello training ground, leaving assistant manager Giovanni Martusciello in charge.
Sportitalia claim that they received notice from members of the squad that Sarri had told the players of his decision this afternoon.
“I saw that you are not with me anymore, some of you are too different to what we saw last season. I have decided to resign. If I am the problem, then I will step aside, so you can shake up this season.”
The report also notes that two or three small groups of players went to speak with Sarri as ‘delegations’ representing the squad, but that while some were genuinely sad to see the coach leave, others could barely hide their glee.
Sarri walked away following four consecutive defeats in all competition, culminating in a Champions League Round of 16 exit to Bayern Munich and Monday’s 2-1 home loss to relegation-threatened Udinese.
He decided to resign after President Claudio Lotito had announced the squad would go into a training retreat, so the team remain at Formello along with Sarri’s staff.
It is entirely possible that Martusciello will be on the bench for this Saturday’s Serie A match against Frosinone.
President Lotito arrived at the training ground late this evening.