The former Biancoceleste footballer commented on the Biancoceleste club’s choice to start again with Marco Baroni after Tudor’s resignation
From Sarri’s resignation, through to Tudor’s, up to the #NoBaroni that was very popular on social media among Lazio fans. The choice to start again with the former Verona coach does not convince the Biancoceleste environment, which is highly embittered. The former Lazio footballer also expressed his opinion on the topic Christian Manfrediniinterviewed by -.ithaving his say on the new coach, about to sign the contract in the capital.
Let’s take a step back and start again from the resignation of Igor Tudor. What happened? A decision that took you by surprise?
“I honestly didn’t expect it, also because Tudor had arrived a few months ago and is a rather important coach. He doesn’t take a profile like that and then wait for him to resign, so no, I wasn’t expecting it at all. It is clear, however, that this story had taken a bad turn and that a bit of turmoil had already been felt towards the end of the championship. He was taken and presented as an iron sergeant, but then the players didn’t like him. If we also add market demands to this, it is clear that things went for the better.”
Two coaches resigning within three months, does this mean that things aren’t working on a management level?
“We all know Lotito, in terms of temperament and character. Despite everything we must admit that management, since his arrival, has been good. Lazio is doing well economically and in recent years they have achieved important goals. I think we can’t talk about bad management, but it’s clear that if two coaches preferred to resign, something didn’t work. The results with Tudor also arrived and in the end Lazio reached the Europa League. It is therefore not a technical question, but evidently, beyond the rumours, there are things that we cannot know.”
The next coach will be Marco Baroni and the environment is not happy because it considers it a step backwards. What do you think about it?
“I don’t know if it’s a step backwards, it’s clear that we’re talking about a coach who up until now has always had teams of a lower level. Despite this, however, he is someone who has had great experience. Before talking, let’s make him work and wait for the results. Even Pioli, when he arrived at Lazio, was not a first-tier coach, but now he has become one. If Baroni were to be confirmed, I would just say give him some time.”
You played at Chievo Verona and from there you moved to Lazio. You are well aware of the difference from an environmental point of view, do you think Baroni will be able to withstand the impact?
“Between Verona, especially Chievo and Rome, the differences are enormous. As far as Hellas is concerned, they will have already had to manage a little more. It is clear, however, that these are two different environments, with two teams fighting for completely different objectives. You have to know how to be there and you have to learn how to do it. But if you want to play or coach, arriving in Rome can only be a great achievement.”
Baroni isn’t official yet, but regardless of this, do you expect much movement on the market? There are many pieces to cover.
“It will certainly depend on what the coach’s requests will be. Ultimately he will decide what type of game he wants to play. He will have to get to work, also based on the players he will have available. We will certainly need to find a replacement for Immobile because, beyond his enormous quality, the years are passing for him too and someone capable of securing several goals will be needed. Then there was Felipe Anderson’s farewell and the Luis Alberto controversy. There are several things to discuss. Beyond the important market, however, Lazio must understand which direction to go and what its objectives must be.”
Regardless of everything, however, does the fact remain that you trust Baroni?
“We are talking about a coach who is not at his first experience and knows the category well. Let’s give him time, let him work and then we’ll see.”
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