Dusan Basta assures Lazio will take the clash with Saint-Etienne seriously – “it’s a Europa League match, not a friendly.”
Both sides have already qualified for the Last 32, with the Biancocelesti already assured of going through as group winners, but the defender insists they won’t be easing up.
Dusan Basta assures Lazio will take the clash with Saint-Etienne seriously – “it’s a Europa League match, not a friendly.”
Both sides have already qualified for the Last 32, with the Biancocelesti already assured of going through as group winners, but the defender insists they won’t be easing up.
“Winning is always good, tomorrow we want to be in the game and get a result,” Basta insisted in the pre-match Press conference.
“It would give us confidence. We want to approach the match in the right way and also avoid injuries.
“It’s a Europa League match, not a friendly. We’ve prepared well, we hope to play a great game.”
Despite qualifying with ease in Europe, the Aquile haven’t won in Serie A since October, and Basta sees a number of factors.
“Maybe compared to last year, when we had a great season, teams know more about our strengths and it’s more difficult.
“Playing every three days? It’s difficult to play so much. Last year after the League matches we had a week to recover, and it was easier. This year it’s more of a strain, and the bad results don’t help.
“I hope that little by little we can get out of this situation.”
Winning the Europa League guarantees Champions League entry, should Lazio focus on that route into the competition, given their stuttering League form?
“Our goal is the League and the Europa League,” Basta said.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t progress in the Champions League. The Europa League is a great tournament, and we want to get as far as possible. But we’ll take it round-by-round.
“Looking back, in my years with Udinese and Red Star, some players were sold before the preliminary round. This year Lazio didn’t sell anyone but we weren’t able to qualify. Bayer [Leverkusen] are a top team though.
“I am disappointed but we have to move on and do better this year.”