Goal Lazio: Recall Goran Pandev & Cristian Ledesma Or Lazio Risk Destroying Their Season
In the third of his weekly Thursday columns, Goal.com's Lazio expert Stefano Federici asks whether it’s time the Aquilotti re-integrated some of their want-away players...
Sep 24, 2009 1:15:13 PM
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Cristian Ledesma - Lazio (Grazia Neri)
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After an impressive early start to the campaign many were asking whether Lazio could sustain their form, and improve on their disappointing 10th place finish last season. The Formello-outfit began the term under a cloud of debate after they opted to play hardball with a number of want-away players, including Goran Pandev and Cristian Ledesma.
Without going into detail on whether the Aquilotti were right or wrong in taking such a stance, it was clear the Biancazzurri were weakened after failing to find suitable replacements during the summer.
With the 2-1 defeat to Parma on Wednesday evening, Lazio suffered their third consecutive defeat at the Stadio Olimpico, and the signs that Ballardini’s squad is nearly close to breaking point were there for all to see.
Breaking Point | Siviglia Again Limped Off Vs. Parma
Coping With The Demands Of Three Competitions
Despite boasting an extensive squad consisting of 35 players, Lazio are ironically suffering from a lack of personnel as the strains of playing every three days takes its toll. With seven squad members regularly left out of the tactical training sessions, coach Ballardini is having to work miracles as he juggles with a continual flow of injury stricken players.
As Lazio prepare for Sunday’s encounter with Palermo, the Biancocelesti are facing a full-on crisis in defence with three of their first choice defenders set to miss the tie through injury or suspension. Despite having Guglielmo Stendardo waiting in the wings, it is unlikely the Neapolitan stopper will be re-integrated as the Aquilotti continue to cut off their noses, to spite their face.
Given the manner in which the Formello outfit struggled just two seasons ago, following a return to the Champions League, many would have expected Lazio to have understood the strains of European football as they headed into the Europa League group stages. Just a fortnight into the European calendar, however, it is clear club patron Claudio Lotito has underestimated the demands of three fronts, and the Biancocelesti are now being caught short.
Caught Short | Lotito Underestimated Europe
Saving A Side On The Verge Of Breaking Point
As a number of key players begin to look more and more exhausted, it is clear Ballardini must take some action if he wants to arrive at the winter break with a decent proportion of the squad still intact. Given the performance of Francelino Matuzalem in the recent defeat to Parma, it was clear the Brazilian needs a rest or he too risks another injury lay-off at such an early stage of the season.
With the ideal replacement for the Brazilian being Ledesma, it remains to be seen whether the Lazio tactician will bite the bullet and re-call the Argentine for the good of the squad. Regardless of whether the want-away midfielder deserves a place in the team, it is obvious that with no further options the coach must think about the greater good.
Even if Lazio were to call up the ‘contentious duo’ for a limited time only, the Aquilotti would undoubtedly be in a stronger position to deal with the strains of a fixture overhaul, which has pushed the side to breaking point.
Should Lazio Draft In The Want-Aways?
Whilst it is debatable how their fellow squad members would take to their presence in the locker room, at a professional level the players must put their feelings aside.
After restoring harmony into the group, Ballardini has highlighted his ability to work with what he is given. With his side risking their whole season just a month into the campaign; it is now time to see what the coach is really made of.
Were he to dice with the devil and recall Pandev and Ledesma, regardless of the outcome on the field, he would gain instant respect from the entire Lazio faithful. Should he opt to continue his hard line given the current injury crisis; he will undoubtedly fall out of favour with the fans, in such a delicate moment for the Biancocelesti.
What are your views on this topic? Should Lazio re-integrate their want-away players, or are the club right to stick by their previous decision? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…
Stefano Federici, Goal.com
