Lazio president Claudio Lotito has told Lazio fans angry with their transfer strategy this summer to ‘take a pill’.
The club staggered over the summer, failing to bring in striker Burak Yilmaz on deadline day and selling Libor Kozak to Aston Villa without a replacement coming in.
Supporters and the Italian media have been increasingly annoyed with their progress, provoking president Lotito to speak out.
“If the fans are belly-aching then they should take a pill or an Alka-Seltzer,” he said.
“I don’t need to reply to those who moan about the transfer market, because Lazio are the only club who did not sell their jewels, despite receiving many offers.”
“We spent €28 million and made the squad competitive over three tournaments with replacements of a very high quality in all areas.”
“Last season they complained that Cristian Ledesma was the only midfield ‘regista’ and now that Lucas Biglia has joined they complain anyway.
“A fan must cheer on his team and go to the stadium. If at the end of the season he believes the results were unsatisfying, then he can criticise.”
“There are always going to be some people who aren’t happy, as we can’t satisfy everybody. I am the first to be annoyed, because people aren’t coming to the stadium. If you don’t buy a ticket and contribute to the club, then you don’t have the right to talk.”
Lotito also threatened legal against Burak Yilmaz’s agent as demanded an extra €2m signing-on fee for the players transfer.
“We had a deal with Galatasaray and the player, but the problems started when I refused to bow down to extortion. I will continue to grow the potential of this squad while respecting economic balance.
“I won’t bring the club to bankruptcy by listening to the advice of incompetent people.”
Follow Richard Hinman on Twitter: @RichardHinman
