‘Lazio players told me they leave because there’s no ambition’

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 14: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello sport Centre on January 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Maurizio Sarri sent more messages to Lazio President Claudio Lotito, pointing out players ‘leave because they see no ambition in the club’ and fans must get used to avoiding relegation.

The deep divide within the club is too apparent to ignore now, despite the repeated statements from Lotito insisting that they have ‘full faith’ in their coach.

It would seem that is not reciprocated, because Sarri has said numerous times and again this evening after the 0-0 draw with Lecce that he is only still there because he made a promise to the fans.

Sarri lashes out at Lazio leadership

Speaking to the official Lazio Style Channel when asked what his target was for this season, his response was not reassuring.

“I’d like us to comfortably secure Serie A safety. We always had a very slim chance of getting into Europe, but now that we’ve lost a couple of important players, we need to be realistic,” said Sarri.

He also hit back on DAZN Italia after President Lotito was caught on a recording declaring that the players wanted to leave because they were unhappy with Sarri’s management.

“I don’t even need to comment on that,” he replied.

“Just 10 days ago a player came into my office crying before he left. There is no problem of rapport between me and the squad. Clearly, when there are 25 and only 15 get to play, someone is always going to be a little unhappy, but that’s not the overall feeling.

“It seems unpleasant if they say that a player was sold because he didn’t get along with me, especially as the players who have left told me a very different version of events.”

In the press conference, Sarri added a very specific detail.

“They told me that they wanted to leave because they don’t see any ambition in this club.”

Another is now set to leave too, as Alessio Romagnoli said goodbye to the Lazio supporters this evening and is pushing to join Al-Sadd.

“If he goes, then we’ll have to get used to conceding a few more goals. The club asked me what I thought of this idea, I said it was unfeasible, but then they are in charge of the transfer market.”

Sarri repeatedly hinted this evening he would’ve resigned months ago if not for his pledge to the fans.

“I said at the start of the season I would keep going at all costs out of respect for the fans. I gave my word and I intend to stand by it.”

In the press conference, he went a little deeper.

“When I found out in June that we were under a transfer embargo, I made a promise to the fans, that I would put up with everything and keep going out of respect for these people.

“Replacing Romagnoli is impossible at this moment, he was the leadership of the defence. In order to drill these ideas into a new player and everything he knows, it will take months.”