Hernanes – The Architect behind SS Lazio’s revival this season
SS Lazio had a season to forget last year. The team finished a disappointing 12th after battling with relegation for much of the season. For a squad as talented as Lazio’s, it was sad to watch the Biancocelesti struggling against far inferior
opposition. Their dismal season had much to do with Claudio Lotito’s poor management of the club. The players for their part also failed to turn up at certain critical moments of the league calendar.
The biggest reason for their demise was Lotito’s much publicised feud with Cristian Ledesma and Goran Pandev; arguably the best players on the Lazio roster. The dynamic duo had their reasons for falling out with the club management.
Pandev wanted to move away from the club during the summer of 2009. This didn’t go so well with the President who froze him out of the Lazio squad and labelled him a rebel. Pandev had a handful of suitors for his services. Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg
made a bid in the region of 13 million Euros only to see it rejected. The player could not make his much desired move and the transfer market promptly closed. Pandev was forced to train on his own for the next four months. The striker filed for the termination
of his contract in September stating that he was kept against his will. The court duly decided in his favour, forcing the club to terminate his contract. The striker joined Inter Milan in January and won a historic treble in a six months time.
Ledesma’s case was no different. The highly talented midfielder fell out with the club over contract negotiations and was sparingly used by Coach Davide Ballardini. However, with appointment of Edoardo Reja, the midfielder was brought back to the squad,
having renewed his contract. The midfielder’s return to the team saw the Lazio improve dramatically. The club now knew importance of Ledesma’s importance to the Aquile cause.
Lotito became the public enemy number one after the poor manner in which he dealt with his stars. Had Pandev been allowed to leave the club in July, the club would have pocketed a handsome 13 million Euros. The club could have found a replacement easily
with such an amount and the season could have had a different story. The Biancocelesti fans had stayed with the team despite their dismal showings and deserved much better this season as reward for their loyalty.
Lotito signed highly rated Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes this summer for a reported fee of 18 million Euros. The capture was labelled a coup as the club was able to hold off competition from more prestigious clubs like AC Milan and Chelsea. Hernanes had
been the break out star in the Brazilian football and it didn’t come as a surprise when he won the Brazilian Serie A best player in 2009. The midfielder really hit the ground running at Lazio. With Ledesma pulling the strings in the midfield and controlling
the tempo, Hernanes is clearly relishing the given the free reign given to him. The midfielder is causing the Serie A defenders headaches with his intelligent movement and sublime playmaking skills. The club now sits atop the Serie A rankings after 3 victories
and a draw. Hernanes has been the mastermind behind all their victories with his possession play sublime playmaking skills. Lazio was able to hold the Scudetto contenders AC Milan at the Olimpico. Despite the likes of Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho and Pirlo also
appearing in the match, Hernanes scooped the man of the match award; a fact that bears testament to his ability.
President Lotito is already forgiven. The signing of Hernanes has apparently made up for the labours of last season. Mauro Zarate and Sergio Floccari had horrible campaigns last season. The duo was scantly provided any service and was often left to toil
in the opposition half. With Hernanes in the line up however, they would be rubbing their hands in anticipation. Zarate has broken his torrid goalless spell after seven months and would definitely look to add further to his tally.
Lotito has recently stated that the club isn’t done spending in the market. There is more to come from the president. Where Champions League football would be too big an ask, Lazio should certainly aim for a Europa League spot this season. However, With
Hernanes as the central cog, the team can certainly build for the future and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Lazio appear in the Champions League two years from now.
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