Lazio have announced that they will bring legal proceedings against Marcelo Bielsa after the tactician reneged on a contract to coach them next season.
The Serie A outfit believed that the 60-year-old was set to become their new coach after making a statement just two days ago suggesting that the deal was done.
However, in an official statement from the club, they’ve revealed that they were informed overnight on Friday that the Argentine coach has no intention of becoming their boss ahead of next season.
It’s believed that the vacancy for the Argentina national team is the reason behind Bielsa’s u-turn, although having agreed on a contract with Lazio, he’s put himself in a tough position.
The former Marseille coach was expected to arrive in Rome on Saturday, but will no longer be flying to Italy with Simone Inzaghi expected to continue as coach for the time being until a long-term solution is found.
“We are shocked to learn of the resignation of Mr Marcelo Bielsa, also in the name of his assistants, which is in blatant violation of the commitment he assumed with the contracts signed last week and registered with the Lega Serie A and FIGC [Italian Football Federation],” read a statement from Lazio.
“The club reserves the right to take all the necessary action to protect its own rights. The team has been placed into the hands of Simone Inzaghi for the preseason training camp.”
Lazio’s solicitor Gian Michele Gentile added that this is a “clear breach of contract” and that legal action was inevitable with the club put in a difficult position both on and off the pitch.
With pre-season planning underway, it will certainly be a disruptive setback for Lazio, as they now begin the process of legal proceedings against Bielsa while also looking for an alternative coach.