[dukeofdavinci]

Rossi: I'm in charge here Tuesday 18 December, 2007

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Lazio Coach Delio Rossi has confirmed an argument with defender Guglielmo Stendardo. “I make the decisions, he did not agree.”


There were reports of a locker room bust-up between the two men this week and Stendardo is not included in the squad for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia encounter with Napoli.


“Professionals must put themselves at the disposal of the team. There is nothing on the contract about guaranteeing a starting place,” warned the tactician.


“If someone is a constant fixture in the side it is because they earned it on the pitch. I make the decisions, he did not agree.”


This boosts reports that Stendardo is set for a January transfer away from the Olimpico.


“Whoever thinks he is too big for Lazio would do well to tell the club, there’s no problem. I want to underline though that Stendardo has not been frozen out. He simply has not been called up for this game and he trained today.”


Rossi was hailed as a hero after taking the Biancocelesti to the Champions League despite a Calciopoli points penalty last season, but their failure to get past the group stage – and not even fall back on a UEFA Cup spot – piled on the pressure.


Following their 3-2 home defeat to Juventus, Lazio are only three points clear of the relegation zone and the Coach knows his job is at risk.


“I am a fighter, I’ve become hardened to difficulties now. I have a contract with Lazio, but if the enthusiasm went out of it then I would evaluate other situations.”

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