Stefano Pioli said he didn’t resign from Lazio because he “wants to see it through” and believes in sixth place if they beat Milan.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“If these are the results, then obviously a Coach has to take a good long look at himself,” said Pioli after the 3-0 Europa League home defeat to Sparta Prague.
Stefano Pioli said he didn’t resign from Lazio because he “wants to see it through” and believes in sixth place if they beat Milan.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“If these are the results, then obviously a Coach has to take a good long look at himself,” said Pioli after the 3-0 Europa League home defeat to Sparta Prague.
“There were certainly mistakes, but I don’t like to throw in the towel. If I start something, I want to see it through to the end, so this is why I am taking ownership of this situation.
“This is not the time to talk about the future. Let’s finish the season and then we’ll examine everything. I am not thinking about the future, only about ending the campaign in a professional manner. A win tomorrow could get us back into the race for sixth position.”
Senad Lulic criticised his own teammates for “running away” from jeers at the final whistle against Sparta Prague, lamenting they “weren’t even a team” in that situation.
“Negative results are not due to a lack of unity,” insisted Pioli. “In every locker room there are dynamics to be dealt with. There was a spell in November where we lacked the right mentality and had a few problems.
“This campaign started badly and we had many injuries too. We needed more concentration and consistency.
“I work with the squad at my disposal, but this remains a good team. The players and I are disappointed, because we know that we could and should have done more.
“Do I feel betrayed by the players? No, I train a group of professionals and a good squad. Everyone, including the Coach, delivered well below our capabilities. We were unable to sustain the very high expectations of us.”
Pioli confirmed Abdoulay Konko is injured, while Keita Balde Diao “is not in great shape, but should be there anyway.”