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

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.

Matteo Guendouzi celebrates his first goal for Fenerbahce (@Fenerbahce)

“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: ‘Lazio did not stop anyone from leaving’

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.

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Angelo Fabiani attends to a press conference during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello sport centre on February 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi /Getty Images)

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.