Vladimir Petkovic admits “the break comes at the right time” for Lazio after defeat to Torino and rued another red card.
Vladimir Petkovic admits “the break comes at the right time” for Lazio after defeat to Torino and rued another red card.
The Biancocelesti are flying high in the Europa League, but stuttering in Serie A and tonight’s 1-0 loss in Turin saw them caught in fifth place by Roma.
“I would love just once to end a game with XI men on the field and talk about incidents like this going our way,” he said after Michael Ciani’s double booking after just 17 minutes.
“I compliment my players for the hunger and energy they put onto the pitch. It certainly was not a deserved defeat.
“We still believe we can qualify for the Champions League and must continue to believe. We play for the entire season and must always go out to win, as we tried to this evening. It’s a pity. I hope next time to be more fortunate.”
Lazio President Claudio Lotito said the game should’ve been postponed, as heavy snow and ice made playing conditions extremely difficult.
“We don’t get to decide anything. The referee sent a message that we would play, so we gave our all,” noted Petkovic.
“I think we played well. The problem with the goal was that we allowed Torino the opportunity instead of clearing our lines properly. That provoked the situation.”
Lazio’s poor Serie A form can be put down to fatigue and a growing injury list, so the Coach is looking forward to the two-week gap between games.
“The break comes at the right time, even if many of our players will go off on international duty. After the break, with different players available, we will perform differently.”