Bizzarri Decision Making

By: cathal | June 10th, 2009

Ex-Catania stopper, Albano Bizzarri has declared to the media that he is now a Lazio player and while we await on official confirmation of this, many of us will attempt to fathom out why Lotito has signed a fifth goalkeeper.

A fifth goalkeeper? Yes, it may sound strange but the 31 year-old Argentine now joins Muslera, Carrizo, Berni (who has returned to us after a season at Salernitana) and Primavera prospect Degre in the goalkeeping ranks. Presumably, Claudio wants to claw back some of the 21million he spent on Zarate. That is understandable but in the meantime, he is paying the salary of five goalkeepers so that does beg the question; is a departure imminent? If so, who is leaving us? You would think JP holds the most value but does he deserve a second chance in the side? Was Nando’s performances a fluke last season? Will we loan out Degre and give him some experience or will we sell Berni for a decent sum? These are questions that our president must find the correct answers to. In all honesty, I’m delighted with this deal; Albano was one of the best ‘keepers in Serie A last season and he brings a wealth of experience to the side. Not only that, but he has arrived on a free transfer which is fantastic for our bank balance. However, I am concerned as to what the next plan of action is because believe me, there must be one in place.

I think what will confuse most fans is the decision to sign players while our club remains without a coach. At first glance, I agree with the majority, this does seem ridiculously foolish but my theory behind it all is simple; Claudio may be trying to rid the club of players he disapproves of before bringing in a new manager. A new coach will come in and immediately set out his stall, deciding how he wants to play, who he wants to play and what he wants to change; this we know. However, what a new coach can’t decipher on the spot is player personalities and attitudes. In a sense, this is Lotito’s opportunity to be manager. In saying that, I don’t believe he will hog the limelight for too long. The newcomer will have to decide if he can work with the individuals Delio couldn’t handle; Stendardo and Zauri are the guys who immediately spring to mind. Also, Claudio may need a new coach to convince the Rossi favourites to stay; Ledesma and Pandev come to mind here. The permanancy of Maurito’s contract and Foggia’s new contract extension gives a strong indication to us that there are certain players our president will fight tooth and nail to hold on to.

A Delio-free Lazio is a scenario Lotito will have thought out many times in his head and I fully expect him to follow the gameplan where possible. I am also certain there is a coach lined up for us. I guess we can only wait on that one. Forza Lazio!