Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso admitted he is struggling to enjoy his side’s flawless start to the domestic campaign, confessing to Sky Sport Italia that he harbors an inherent fear of success causing a drop in intensity. Despite securing nine points from their opening three fixtures and claiming the early Serie A summit following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Udinese, the 48-year-old tactician remains entirely focused on keeping his squad grounded at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gennaro Gattuso Admits Anxiety Despite Lazio’s Early Serie A Summit Lead
Gattuso Details Personal Anxieties and Managing Success
According to Sky Sport Italia, Gattuso expressed deep-seated worries about complacency creeping into the squad after victories. The manager explained that his intense personal disposition prevents him from relaxing during a winning run, noting that he expects the team to stay fully dialed in as early Scudetto conversations begin to swirl around the club.
“I’m not enjoying it because I have this defect, you have to stay on the ball, I’m always afraid that after victories the team can go too high in spirits, I should enjoy it more,” Gattuso told Sky Sport Italia. “Even as a player I was like this, I will have time to enjoy it, then I will enjoy it in ten years when I retire. I’m made like this, I go looking for a bit of complicated situations, I knew where I was coming.”
Tactical Overhaul and Resilience at Stadio Olimpico
The early-season success under Gattuso stems from a dramatic tactical evolution away from the rigid structures of the previous regime. The manager highlighted a shift toward a more flexible and aggressive style of play, which required immense character from the players to absorb after a difficult summer cup setback.
The recent triumph in Udine showcased that exact resilience as Lazio erased a second-half deficit to capture all three points through goals from Davide Frattesi and Albert Gudmundsson. Reflecting on the squad’s development, Gattuso praised the players’ mentality and work ethic while noting the stark differences from last year’s approach under a master of the 4-3-3 system.
“The mentality and the desire. We dismantled everything compared to last year, when there was a master of the 4-3-3, and we are trying to do something different,” Gattuso stated to Sky Sport Italia. “The lads are doing things well. What we are trying to propose is not easy, but the team is alive.”
Working Relationship with President Claudio Lotito
Behind the scenes, Gattuso’s robust working dynamic with Lazio president Claudio Lotito has stabilized the club’s operations, particularly through a challenging summer transfer window. Despite outside skepticism regarding the pair’s notoriously strong personalities, Gattuso characterized their administrative partnership in straightforward terms.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Gattuso thanked both Lotito and Fabiani for securing key additions that many observers initially believed were out of reach for the club. The manager described their interaction as a “bread to bread and wine to wine relationship,” emphasizing that they successfully recruited players who were fiercely determined to wear the Lazio shirt.
Preparing for an Emotional AC Milan Reunion
Lazio’s upcoming fixture schedule presents a poignant emotional hurdle for Gattuso as he prepares to face AC Milan. Having spent over a decade with the Rossoneri as a player and later as head coach, the fixture holds profound personal significance.
Despite his deep historical ties to Milan, Gattuso emphasized his complete professional focus on securing points for his current club. Recalling his extensive history with the Milanese side, he acknowledged the fond memories of his playing days while remaining entirely concentrated on the immediate task at hand in the Serie A championship race.
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