Lazio president Claudio Lotito tackled several topics in a public appearance, including the difference in the mindset between the current squad and the previous one, while launching an attack on Mason Greenwood.
A Hungry Lazio
The Biancocelesti have revamped their squad over the summer, signing a host of young players to replace the old guard. The patron thus aims a subtle dig at the former stars while participating in a sports law session at LUISS University (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), noting how the squad has become hungrier under the guidance of Marco Baroni after getting rid of “prima donnas”.
I chose Baroni because I felt he was the right person to start over. Life is made of cycles, we’ve finished one cycle and started another. There’s been talk of downsizing, I say it was a reconstruction. The facts prove me right. I made a choice by appointing a coach who tends to our needs.
The difference between this team and the previous one is that this one is hungry! Hunger, humility, determination. That’s the whole theme. There are no prima donnas here.
Buying a Club Abroad
Lotito was asked if he plans to buy a foreign club, but chose to emphasize his great passion for Lazio.
First of all, I have to enhance Lazio. I am the president with passion, with pleasure, with enthusiasm. I cultivate the economic aspect in other activities.
No New Midfielder in January
The 67-year-old ruled out the arrival of Napoli midfielder Michael Folorunsho or any other midfielder in January.
What do you want to do with the sticker collection? You have to do the things that are needed. For me, Lazio doesn’t need a midfielder at the moment. As long as everyone is available.
Let’s not forget we have a midfielder [Gaetano Castrovilli] who hasn’t played much yet. So we must give him a chance. He’s a good player with great technical skills.
Dig at Greenwood
Lotito insisted that Lazio doesn’t regret missing out on Mason Greenwood who eventually signed for Marseille, describing the Englishman as a “mercenary”, thus echoing a statement previously made by his sporting director Angelo Fabiani.
No, we absolutely don’t regret it. Someone who doesn’t want to join Lazio can’t be a regret. He’s at Marseille, he’s happy there. He made a choice, that’s fine. We don’t accept mercenaries, we only want players who want Lazio. We’ve had enough of mercenaries already.
Pedro’s Future
Finally, the Lazio owner revealed the management will hold talks with the in-form Pedro who’s currently running on an expiring contract.
He’s a great professional. We’ve included him in the UEFA list. At the end of the season, we’ll sit at the table and see what Pedro’s expectations and requests will be. Not the economic ones, but what he wants to do in life.
