Vladimir Petkovic insists Lazio” data-scaytid=”2″>Lazio are “already over” their Derby defeat to Roma and ready to face Catania tomorrow night.
The Biancocelesti were beaten 2-0 by their arch rivals on Sunday afternoon, their third loss in just six competitive games this season.
Vladimir Petkovic insists Lazio are “already over” their Derby defeat to Roma and ready to face Catania tomorrow night.
The Biancocelesti were beaten 2-0 by their arch rivals on Sunday afternoon, their third loss in just six competitive games this season.
“You have to digest things quickly, so we are already over it. We can give a good response tomorrow and prove our minds are in a good place,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“It is important to play better and prove all the good work we’ve done up until now.”
Petkovic has numerous problems to contend with for the midweek Serie A match, as Andre Dias and Stefano Mauri are suspended with Miroslav Klose, Lucas Biglia, Stefan Radu, Giuseppe Biava, Diego Novaretti and Abdoullay Konko sidelined.
“We always need something more, that 20 per cent more that gives you and your teammates a sense of security. We don’t just need that from those who step on to the field, but everyone around us. We know a positive influence helps, including from the stands, and especially after a defeat in the Derby.
“I don’t think we did badly at all and had the chance to score. I didn’t see any dips in concentration or form during the Derby and we believed to the end even with 10 men. If Ederson had scored at the death, perhaps we’d be spoken of as heroes.
“Roma did show more hunger, but I am just focusing on sending a tough team out on to the pitch. I know we’ll give 120 per cent against Catania, because we feel the weight of the Derby on our shoulders. We must keep our nerve and think positive.”
Petkovic was asked what was different from last season, when Lazio won the Coppa Italia.
“It’s a bit of everything, really. Several players are not giving 100 per cent and this team works when all 11 players are in good shape. Last season we had many injury problems between February and March. We certainly want to and must give more.
“At the same time, we must give credit to Roma for their performance. We lost against Juventus” data-scaytid=”25″>Juventus and Roma, two teams who are objectively in front of us in the table, but the season is long and we’ll try to catch the others up quickly.”