Lotito: ‘Lazio got too comfortable, we needed more hunger’

President Claudio Lotito explains how Lazio went from pre-season protests to their best ever start. ‘Some people had got too comfortable, we brought in those with hunger.’

The Biancocelesti had to deal with furious fans in the summer when going from Maurizio Sarri to Igor Tudor and eventually Marco Baroni in charge, while the supporters were also critical of the transfer strategy.

Nonetheless, tonight’s 3-0 victory over Bologna keeps them in second place and never before had Lazio done better than nine wins in the first 13 rounds.

“Baroni is the right man in the right place at the right moment,” Lotito told DAZN.

“We chose him because we thought he was suited to our requirements. We needed to both win and be convincing, which is what we are doing.

“We’ve created a big family where everyone has their role. We restructured everything around the club, seeing as there were some people who were a little too comfortable, bringing in those with hunger.”

Among the figures who left in recent months are Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson, along with director of sport Igli Tare, who was in the DAZN studio as a pundit.

Tare noted that the mood was similar to the one Lazio had in 2019-20 when they were top of the table until the season was interrupted by the pandemic.

“I agree and remember that experience, where I delayed some changes because I was fond of the people who represented a sense of belonging,” replied Lotito.

“We needed a revamp and completely different people who were highly-motivated, but must also maintain their humility. We haven’t achieved anything yet and difficult moments still await us.”

Lazio are not only second in Serie A, but also the only team in the Europa League still with a 100 per cent record after four rounds.

Another victory against Ludogorets on Thursday would effectively book their slot in the Round of 16, so have the players asked Lotito to add any performance-related bonuses to their contracts?

“That does not suit our approach. In a family, the head of the family sees how people are behaving and evaluates if they deserve rewards,” replied the President.

“Players are paid for their performances. Here we want a family atmosphere where everyone gives their contribution, everyone is united, everyone is useful and nobody is indispensable.

“So far, they seem convinced that Lazio is a destination and not a stepping stone to somewhere else. Now we have also started work on the youth academy, building another seven training pitches.”