Lazio striker Ciro Immobile thought that president Claudio Lotito’s frustration at the poor results was justified.
Speaking at the Lazio Christmas dinner (via LazioNews24) last night, the 31-year-old Italian striker discussed Lotito’s speech and his work to fire up the team.
I’m happy with the president’s speech for the trust that has been renewed in the coach, not that we needed it, but hearing it directly from him is better.
The team can concentrate above all on the pitch and not think about other things. It’s the first time this has happened to me. We are a big family and a father must sometimes use strong words. The stick is needed, only the carrot is not good.
Immobile continued discussing Lotito’s importance to the Lazio squad and his intentions when being tough on the players.
Indirectly he works on the team and he can only do it this way. He has to take the reins and turn the boat around from where it is going now. There is no drama to be had, but more needs to be done. It’s not a catchphrase. We’re not at all happy with what we’ve shown so far.
We lack consistency, to entertain people, what has always distinguished us in recent years. We welcome this scolding, like a father who scolds his children. He doesn’t have bad intentions, he tries to stimulate us.
He commented on the support from the fans and the team’s need to improve on the pitch to pay the fans back.
We always expect support from the fans, we have to give them something in return. People want to have fun, they’ve supported us from start to finish in all our away matches. We have what it takes to do better, now we have to prove it.
I remain confident, we all need to get back in the same boat. I wanted to send a greeting to my family who are watching us and I wish the Lazio fans a happy Christmas and New Year, hoping for many successes for us.
Finally, Immobile highlighted how he was disappointed that he couldn’t dedicate a goal to his mother recently.
Yes, I was disappointed because I couldn’t dedicate a goal to my mother between Galatasaray and Sassuolo. I will surely make it up to her.
The 31-year-old Immobile, who is contracted to Lazio until 2026, has been on fire this season under coach Maurizio Sarri.
He has made 21 appearances across all competitions, for a total of 1709 minutes. In that time, he has scored 16 goals and provided two assists, remaining the focal point of the team’s attack.
