Igor Tudor wants people to acknowledge Lazio’s extraordinary form since he took over. ‘We would be top of the table.’
The Biancocelesti are certainly in form, winning four of their last five Serie A games and moving to within a point of a Roma side who visit Atalanta this evening.
Today’s 2-0 win over Empoli, and Napoli losing to Bologna yesterday, mean Lazio are guaranteed to finish the season ahead of last year’s Champions of Italy.
“It is a good way to celebrate,” Tudor told Sky Sport Italia, referring to the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Scudetto triumph.
“We had to suffer, but the quality showed through in the end. It brings us closer to Europe, we’ll see where we are at the end of the season, but the only objective is to do as well as possible.”
Tudor wants recognition for Lazio
Since Tudor took over from Maurizio Sarri, nobody has done better than his 16 points in seven Serie A rounds.
“If someone asks what can you improve, how do you reply? I say that since I arrived, Lazio would be top of the table with Inter.
“I don’t think beating Empoli 2-0 is to be taken for granted and treating it that way puts negativity onto the team,” argued the coach.
“We can improve in the details, but every game in Serie A is tough and Empoli try to pounce on errors. Our goalkeeper was excellent today, but that is his job.”
Tudor opted to leave Luis Alberto out of the squad this weekend as punishment for a poor attitude in training, so how is he getting the players over to his side after Sarri’s era?
“Clearly, everyone wants to play all the time and I can only pick XI. Players must adapt quickly and they did that, then the results arrived.
“It is a difficult job, I arrived mid-season with all the difficulties that brings, a different style of football. You have to be fair to the players and make your choices in good faith.
“I make my choices based on what I see during the week. Nothing more and nothing less. From Tuesday a new week of training begins and we start again.”