Something doesn’t add up…
By: cathal | August 16th, 2008In the wake of Rocchi’s injury woe, the media have been heavily speculating as to who will replace him. Three names in particular have been mentioned, Crespo, Bogdani and Pellissier. The most significant of these is certainly Crespo. It’s not difficult to see why he is linked to the club; he’s a free agent and a Lazio legend. Bogdani is also being talked about, which is timely, as his compatriot, Igli Tare was made Director of Football last week. As for Pellissier, he is regularly linked to the club, so I’m not at all shocked to see his name in the frame.
I would be surprised, however, if the club is actually in the market for a striker. Of course the Rocchi injury is a blow and he will probably miss three or four matchdays, but, what was the point of signing Zarate or Kozak? Was Zarate brought in to sit on the bench even through the most serious of injury crises? Something doesn’t add up…
A few weeks ago, shortly after the capture of Matuzalem, I saw a quote from Lotito in an article and it has stuck with me ever since. He said: “We must see if we have managed a cohesive squad ready to obtain important objectives.” It’s a bit wordy, but one possible explanation is that a decision was taken to wait until after the friendlies before entering into the market again. Put those words with these from Rossi and I think the picture bcomes clearer: “The team? It’s competitive, but maybe it’s time to return to the market. We need a midfielder with good characteristics.”
What’s significant about this is that these words were spoken after news of the Rocchi injury came through. So who is this midfielder with good characteristics? Well, another name that has been mentioned is 23 year-old, Alexandros Tziolis of Panathanaikos, a tall, defensive midfielder. It all sounds very feasible. This is Tziolis:
So while some of us will inevitably dream of rekindling a romance with Hernan, perhaps Rossi has found a better catch?
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Category: Team News
Tags: Bogdani, Crespo, Kozak, Lotito, Panathanaikos, Pellissier, Rocchi, Rossi, Tare, Team News, Transfers, Tziolis, ZarateSubscribe
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Comments
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I agree with giving Kozak or Zarate a shot, trouble is, I think Delio is treating them like long term projects. He’s even compared Zarate to “Pandev, when I first started coaching him.” So I think there’s a reluctance there to depend on them too much. I’m curious about Tziolis though…
Posted from
United States
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Tziolis sounds like a good option. Young, strong, tall, perfect cover for Dabo and a suitable replacement for Mudy. It will be interesting to see if anything develops as the same names have been doing the rounds for a while now and no progress seems to have been made. It’s good to see a new name enter the hat.
Posted from
Ireland -
cathal – are you a new addition to the Lazio page? I don’t think i’ve seen you write here before. if you have, my apologies. if not, benvenuto.
Posted from
United States -
Hey Lorenzo, he is in fact a new addition.
Posted from
Canada -
I dont think your understanding the whole point here cathal. Yes, Rocchi will be fit in around in a month, but for example if Lazio sign Crespo of course he wont be playing in the starting XI in almost every game.. hes getting old and past his prime days. However, he would be an excellent supersub and would be a great choice to replace someone in the starting lineup if they get injured etc. The chances of getting Pellissier are small, he is way too expensive and Chievo dont want to sell their captain anyway. Bogdani is just utter crap, he goes with the same class as Makinwa. And I rather have Crespo, Zarate, Pandev and Rocchi as the strikers (when all 4 fit, Pandev as trequartista and Rocchi – Zarate up front, Crespo on bench) and then Kozak to get some few minutes and getting a possible loan move.. players like Makinwa should be sold immediately..
Posted from
United States -
Thanks Lorenzo, I’m happy to be here!
I understand your point Trionfatore and in an ideal world, that would be the case. However, Crespo will demand a high wage, in fact, that seems to be the only stumbling block in the deal. Now if Crespo agrees to come for a wage that Lotito deems suitable, I will welcome him with open arms, but we have already added depth to our forward line by signing young, talented players. If we were to sell Makinwa, then Crespo would be more than welcome, but to start the season with seven forwards would be strange in my eyes.
Posted from
Ireland -
“7 forwards”.. Zarate, Pandev, Rocchi, Makinwa, Kozak, Inzaghi, Mendicino.. you must realize that even though there are seven, only the first three I listed are at the Serie A level. I cant say much about Kozak as I havent seen him play, but I hope he’ll develop into a great player. However at this point he is too inexperienced to play alot in the Serie A. Makinwa is crap, so is Inzaghi. Mendicino, like Kozak is promising, but the same applies to him – we cannot put too much weight on his shoulders at this point. So realistically we have 3 good strikers and even possibly 2, as Pandev may be dropped in some circumstances to trequartista. Of course, Mauri and Meghni should play in that role.
I hope we get a player like Crespo so if Pandev and Rocchi start as first choice, then there could be rotation among Zarate and Crespo. I recommend Kozak and Mendicino to get first-team experience in the Serie B or then in the Coppa Italia. Makinwa is just useless, the same applies to Inzaghi. I cant believe Lotito doesnt want to even mutually terminate one of their contracts if for some reason he cant even sell them to some team in the lower divisions..
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United States -
I still believe Makinwa can do a job in Serie A…but not for Lazio. He did drag Atalanta and Rossi out of a very deep hole a few seasons ago, which was probably the reason behind Rossi’s decision to bring him here and it’s probably why he’s still keeping the faith.
Inzaghi will go this season I would think. I believe he now realises he can’t cut it in top level football anymore.
However, I feel Kozak and Mendicino should stay. We have two top players in Pandev and Rocchi, maybe another in Zarate. When you look at the rest of Serie A, there’s not many teams that can boast that. Also, if you take into consideration the amount of potential trequartistas we have, the depth there is unquestionable. The issue is whether they are good enough or not. We all know Hernan will deliverr something but it’s just a matter of how much do we need his contribution.
Posted from
Ireland -
Tziolis?Who the hell is that guy?Defensive,tall,and bullshit.Give me something to believe in this player,except his physical appereance and position.Even Gaizka did not succeeded in Lazio.Holding in Lazio,in Seria A,playing well,is not easy.Makinwa,has “a” talent:Pace.That’s all.He has nothing more,and he doesnt have the quality to play in Lazio.He has no mental proficiencies.He has no finishing abilities.He has nothing to give for Lazio.Inzaghi,was said to become better than his brother Filippo,and now he’s lost.No expections.However,Crespo is a great player,a great role model for starlets,he must be added for the club I think.And as a midfielder,I think Pinzi is still the best option,for me.He’s a great substitute,has defensive abilities,has physical abilities,and trustable.
Posted from
Turkey -
Tziolis is an established player in the Panathanaikos side and has UEFA Cup experience. Panathanaikos are now looking like they will qualify for the Champions League group stages. Tziolis is also starting to break into the Greek National team. Other than that there is not much more information I can provide.
A very interesting prospect for me. Pinzi would be a safer bet, yes, but Tziolis sounds promising.
Posted from
Ireland -
Looks like Crespo may be a no go – or, this could all just be negotiating tactics. I read that Lazio dont want to pay a loan fee (Inter want one) and that the percentage of Crespo’s salary that Lazio would be responsible for is too much. So, there you go.
Posted from
United States -
it seams pandev and rocchi (when tommasso reach to safety) two main choice for delio but we need third person for peak of team.unfortunately i cant seen another forwards in LAZIO (like zarrate_mendicino_kozak) but i love inzaghi only one side.he is a symbol of zeal in my specter world.and i disagree with makinwa because in my opinion his level is not equal for LAZIO in serie A.maybe makinwa use for TIM cup or loan to another team like previous season like foggia.
Posted from
United States -
Makinwa’s not even up to the Serie A standard. Everyone saw him playing badly in Reggina.. no goals scored there either.
I just hope we can sign Crespo only if he accepts a smaller wage to what he is used to and then we can loan up Kozak and Mendicino, possibly both. Its best for both (Lazio and the individual) that both of them get to play at a good level with many appearances. And what it comes to this Greek lad, I prefer Fernandez to almost everyone now and I really hope he gets his EU passport before the transfer window closes. Please dont make this another Carrizo-episode.
Posted from
United States
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