Senegal international Boulaye Dia has praised Gennaro Gattuso for the impact he has made at Lazio, insisting the Italian coach’s impressive start to the season is the result of hard work rather than magic.
Gattuso has guided Lazio to an unexpected challenge near the top of Serie A, with the club level on points with Inter after a strong start to the campaign.
Dia, who spent last season at Lazio before returning to France to join Rennes, told Flashscore in an exclusive interview that he was confident the former Italy international could improve the team following a difficult previous campaign.
“No, nobody expected that in those terms, but we knew what the team were capable of,” Dia said when asked whether he anticipated Lazio’s strong start.
“When Gennaro Gattuso arrived with his staff and the spirit that defines him, given how things had gone last season, we really couldn’t have done much worse, even mentally. It was a renewal.”
The Senegalese forward added that Lazio’s pre-season preparations and a defeat to Mantova in the Coppa Italia served as turning points for the team.
“After the pre-season we had, we knew we would improve. Especially after the Coppa Italia defeat, a 2-0 loss to Mantova, which served as a wake-up call,” he said.
Dia, who remains in contact with some of his former teammates, was unequivocal in his assessment of Gattuso’s work.
“Yes, definitely. He’s showing it so far; what he’s doing is excellent,” he added.
The 29-year-old also defended Gattuso against criticism stemming from his previous coaching experiences, arguing that each club presents different circumstances.
“He’s not a magician; there is simply a lot of work behind it. People judged him on his previous experiences, but every club and every situation has its own reality. He came with a mission to accomplish, and so far he’s doing it extremely well.”
Dia dismisses Juventus crisis talk
Dia also offered his assessment of Juventus ahead of Rennes’ Europa League meeting with the Italian club, dismissing suggestions that they were in crisis following their defeat to Lazio.
When informed that Juventus had lost twice that season, the forward questioned whether the description was justified.
“In that case, you can’t talk about a crisis. And they lost to Lazio, who remain a great team,” he said.
“Besides, it doesn’t concern us; it’s their problem.”
Dia is enjoying a return to French football after five years away, having joined Rennes following his spell in Italy. He said he was pleased to return to the country where he grew up and believes Ligue 1 has improved during his time abroad.
“I feel very good. I’m happy to return to the country where I grew up, and to a league that I had missed,” he said.
“The teams are better now.”
The Senegalese striker also welcomed the competition for places at Rennes, particularly with Esteban Lepaul, who finished as the league’s leading scorer last season.
“It’s a great thing to compete with him and, above all, to play alongside him. We’ll push each other to improve,” Dia added.
