Psychologist move angers Lazio boss

(GSM) – Lazio coach Edy Reja has expressed his displeasure regarding club owner Caludio Lotito’s decision to hire a sports psychologist behind his back in a bid to help improve the Biancocelesti’s fortunes.

The move has not gone down well with the coach who has insisted that he might leave the club if he is not allowed to run the club in his way.

Lazio are currently just two points above the relegation zone and have won just two Serie A matches in 2010, prompting Lotito to employ a sports psychologist, a move that has infuriated both the players and coach.

The Biancocelesti have been locked in a ‘ritiro’ – a pre-match training camp – ahead of Sunday’s clash with Cagliari, with Reja still fuming about Lotito’s decision.

“I hope this time in the ritiro has helped, both physically and in terms of mentality,” Reja said. “I feel as if the team is more united than ever.

“I don’t think we need a professional psychologist or motivator to find that unity. This is what a Coach is supposed to give and he must take responsibility.

“When I arrived here I certainly found the club a little disorganised. There is upset, the lads are unhappy. We’ve realised that we need to get ourselves out of this situation.

“From now on, every decision taken within the club will be mine. I do not want interference regarding organisation, a ritiro or team affairs. I am the only one to take responsibility and the players must focus on working and I will motivate them.

“I am completely autonomous. If my decisions are accepted, then that’s great, otherwise I can go back where I came. This is where I stand for the rest of the season.”

Reja revealed he had flown out to Croatia, where he walked out on Hajduk Split to take the Lazio job mid-season, when the sports psychologist was hired.

“I returned and was told in passing that this situation was already in place. Bringing in a new element now is inappropriate and I’m pretty sceptical about this sort of thing.”