Gattuso Discusses Unsatisfying Lazio Display, Icardi Snub & Belahyane’s Training Struggles
Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso is grateful for the important win in Venice ahead of the international, but wasn’t fully satisfied with the performance.
Lazio Beat Venezia Thanks to Second-Half Rally
The Biancocelesti survived a first-half onslaught, with Christos Mandas saving John Yeboah’s penalty. After the break, Mattia Zaccagni gave the visitors the lead from the spot, and Tijjani Noslin’s header confirmed a victory that allowed Lazio to catch up with Serie A leaders Roma and Inter Milan, who played out a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.
Gennaro Gattuso Irritated With Lazio’s First-Half Performance
In his post-match interviews (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Gattuso admitted Venezia deserved to head to the interval with a two-goal lead after a poor display from his team, explaining how he had to adjust the approach after the break.
Mandas kept us alive because if we had been two goals down, Venezia wouldn’t have stolen anything. We got our approach to the game wrong. Venezia always sat back in this match, and technically, we made a lot of mistakes. We were always having to chase; we suffered a great deal.
We were better in the second half. The centre-backs became two wide centre-backs, and we worked well with the chains. Then, after going 2-0 up, we did everything to let them score. We can’t afford to have that attitude. It wasn’t a matter of indifference or anything else, but we made technical mistakes.
The Importance of a Win Before the Long Break
The 48-year-old also explained why it was crucial to avoid a negative result before the three-week international break.
The biggest concern is going 20 days with a defeat or with our heads down. We’ll recover a little. The lads will have five days off, and we’ll play two friendlies at Formello, one against Arezzo. We need to continue working on our mentality because we need this.
It is also proof that the fact that many players who were struggling are now playing leading roles is down to them. Naturally, you have to have an attitude that is consistent with them. For me, it’s a pleasure to coach them. Now comes the difficult part: staying focused and not thinking that we’ve solved our problems.
Gattuso Opens Up on His Celebration With Travelling Lazio Fans
After the game, Gattuso was spotted celebrating the win at the away end with the travelling Lazio supporters who made their voice heard all game long. The coach also explained that he appreciates how the fanbase is allowing him and his players to work peacefully throughout the week, despite their ongoing protest against the hierarchy.
It comes naturally to me. It was an important result. The fans are well-behaved. The truth is just one: the Curva doesn’t come to the stadium, but you can live well in the city, even though I stay closer to Formello. They allow us to work in peace.
That’s how it is: it’s a fanbase that doesn’t put pressure on us. We put it on ourselves because you play for Lazio, and you always have pressure.
Gattuso Explains Adrian Pzryborek’s Absence
The Calabrian tactician revealed that young Lazio midfielder Adrian Przyborek wasn’t called up due to an injury, suggesting he could have a role to play this season.
He’s not bad for a 2007-born player, either. He had an adductor problem. But he’s a very interesting young player.
Why Gattuso Didn’t Want Mauro Icardi at Lazio
Gattuso confirmed he was the one behind Lazio’s decision to abandon Mauro Icardi’s pursuit, as he wanted to maintain the newly-found harmony in his squad.
All the credit belongs to the team. It’s simple: this is a group that has been giving everything since the first day, with great professionalism and desire. I said no to Icardi for this reason. There’s serenity now, and it’s a pleasure to coach these lads.
Having one game a week, you understand that it becomes difficult. I have four centre-backs, each one stronger than the other. I’m happy. I have to be good at making as few mistakes as possible. I have to put the players in the best possible conditions. I’m happy with what I have.
When I arrived, I thought I wouldn’t make any signings. I have to thank Fabiani and Lotito for those who arrived. It took us some time, but that was because of me, because I wanted functional players. They also deserve a thank you.
The Atmosphere at Formello
Gattuso revealed he enjoys working at Formello, as the club is filled with Lazio supporters who care greatly about the team.
I was close to Lazio two or three times as a manager. Inside, they’re 100% Laziali. People who cry when they win, who stay close to you during difficult moments. I knew that it goes from father to son… it’s an incredible story.
They’re fans with great passion, little children who love these colours. I imagined what it was like. Inside, it’s something incredible. There are truly people who work.
Gattuso Reveals Reda Belahyane’s Early Struggles
In Nicolo Rovella’s absence, Reda Belahyane has now become a key player in Lazio’s tactical jigsaw. Gattuso recalled how the Moroccan had struggled to cope with his gruelling training regime during the summer.
During training camp, Belahyane fainted two or three times. He would come to my office and apologise. I’d reply, ‘Don’t worry, step by step.’
When I see commitment and players who want to learn, it’s a source of satisfaction for me. I want to help them. The important thing is not to see people who are lazy; I don’t get along with them.
Gattuso Chose Lazio For Their Troubles
The legendary Milan midfielder proclaimed that Lazio’s woes had only encouraged him to join the club in the summer, while jokingly suggesting they still need another 27 points to avoid relegation.
If these problems hadn’t existed, I would never have come to Lazio. I chose it. I knew that things weren’t ideal in terms of the environment. I knew the players were eager; I felt it, and I’d spoken to them because I’d had them in the national team. Otherwise, I would never have accepted.
I knew it was a place where the lads wanted to work. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but we’re happy with what we’re doing. 13 points? We still need 27 to be safe.
Making Lazio History
Gattuso became the first Lazio manager to pick up 13 points from the first five matchdays of the season, but he insists he doesn’t fancy contemplating his achievements at this stage.
Have I entered Lazio’s history? I work like a hammer. I’ll have time to think about what I’ve done when I retire and take my grandchildren for walks. For now, keep hammering; we move forward.
Mattia Zaccagni Left Out of Italy Squad
Finally, Gattuso refused to stir controversy when asked about Roberto Mancini’s decision to omit Mattia Zaccagni from his first Italy squad.
They’re normal decisions. I could have called up many players myself, but I made certain choices. I enjoy having him; he’s my captain.
These are the national team coach’s decisions. I’ve been through it myself. When you make a choice, it’s never easy. I’ve always made them in good faith. That’s all I’ll say, nothing more.
