Gattuso & Lazio Director Clear the Air After ‘Minimum Objective’ Row
Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso and the club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, have quickly resolved any misunderstanding about the season objectives.
Angelo Fabiani & Gennaro Gattuso Made Contradictory Statements
Ahead of Saturday’s game against AC Milan, Fabiani identified European competition as the minimum objective following the Biancocelesti’s flying start to the Serie A campaign. But after the 2-2 draw, Gattuso completely disagreed with the club official, insisting these remarks would only draw unwanted pressure on the players, who are already dealing with difficult circumstances.
I don’t want to create controversy, really. We already have enough pressure on our shoulders. Playing under the conditions we’re playing in isn’t easy. It’s not right for the director to say that the minimum objective is Europe.
I don’t want to shirk responsibility, let me make that clear. Our objective is to take it one game at a time, and then we’ll take stock. I don’t agree when we say that the minimum objective is Europe. This isn’t a controversy. It’s pressure that we simply can’t afford at this moment.
Fabiani & Gattuso Spoke After Lazio vs AC Milan Clash
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the two men spoke after the coach’s press conference to clear the air. While the Calabrian was irritated with his team for squandering a two-goal lead, Fabiani congratulated him on a top-notch first-half performance and also felt the team did well to avoid defeat after conceding two goals in quick succession.
The two men agreed that with Nicolo Rovella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru available, perhaps the midfield would have had the depth to introduce fresh legs in the second half, which could have changed the outcome.
Fabiani Explained His Comments
Concerning Fabiani’s earlier comments, the Lazio director explained he didn’t mean to set Europe as an objective, but simply emphasised the desire to compete and give their all in the hopes of returning to UEFA competitions next season, a statement Gattuso agreed with.
Moreover, both men realise that, on paper, at least seven clubs have superior squads. Therefore, finishing in the European zone will be a challenging task for the Biancocelesti, even though they temporarily lead the Serie A table while waiting for Inter Milan and Roma’s results on Monday.
