Lazio sporting director Fabiani hits out at Guendouzi: ‘He’s a pain in the a**’

Tensions have surfaced at Lazio following the departure of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with sporting director Angelo Fabiani delivering a remarkably blunt assessment of the Frenchman.

Speaking during a press conference at Formello, Fabiani addressed questions about Guendouzi’s exit and whether the club had adequately replaced him in the squad.

“Guendouzi wasn’t replaced? That’s a matter of opinion. The pitch will judge,” Fabiani said, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“I had a great relationship with Guendouzi, but the day after he left he became a disciple of Maria Goretti. Inside Lazio, in reality, he’s a pain in the ass, he gets himself sent off, he does whatever he wants. That’s not objectivity.”

Fabiani was equally clear that the decision to leave did not come from the club’s side.

“Guendouzi left because he decided it and wanted it. I don’t hold anyone back, just like with Alessio Romagnoli,” he added.

The comments underline a breakdown in relations behind the scenes, suggesting that while Guendouzi’s quality was never in doubt, his behaviour and discipline were viewed less favourably within the club’s hierarchy.

Lazio now move forward without the former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder, while Fabiani’s words make it clear the club believe the separation was both inevitable and, from their perspective, necessary.