Vladimir Petkovic has warned Lazio” data-scaytid=”2″>Lazio not to “get intimidated by the atmosphere at Panathinaikos. Reputations are built on these games.”
Vladimir Petkovic has warned Lazio not to “get intimidated by the atmosphere at Panathinaikos. Reputations are built on these games.”
The Biancocelesti are flying high in both Serie A and the Europa League, so are confident going into Thursday’s Greek test.
“It will be a difficult match and I expect to find an angry opponent,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We must be wary, as against a side like this we must be concentrated right to the very end.
“Panathinaikos give their all in front of their home fane and we must not let ourselves get intimidated by the atmosphere. Reputations are built on these games.”
Miroslav Klose is in the squad, but did not arrive with his teammates in Greece this evening.
“Klose will return tomorrow and will be available for the game. He received special permission from the club to help him recuperate even better as we go into a tough run of fixtures.
“There is no controversy, as we’ve been discussing it for a few days. He is a great professional and always wants to help the team.”
Petkovic was less full of praise for Mauro Zarate, who has been repeatedly dropped in recent weeks.
“Zarate is among the 21 players at my disposal and tomorrow I will decide who plays. The Zarate issue is no different to any of the other players.”
Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has not made the trip after picking up a muscular injury in the warm-up of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Milan.
Lazio squad for Panathinaikos: Bizzarri, Scarfagna, Guerrieri; Biava, Ciani, Dias, Radu, Scaloni, Cavanda, Konko; Cana, Ledesma, Onazi, Hernanes, Gonzalez, Candreva, Mauri; Kozak, Klose, Zarate, Floccari