Edy Reja was content with Lazio’s goalless Derby della Capitale draw against local rivals Roma.
Edy Reja was content with Lazio’s goalless Derby della Capitale draw against local rivals Roma.
“In the first half we did very well, creating a lot of problems for them down the flanks. After the break they held more possession, but we held out in defence and allowed them few chances,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had some promising counter-attacks that we didn’t make the most of, especially an incredible chance with Eddy Onazi. At a certain point Roma pinned us back, but the lads held firm and I am content with the draw.”
Reja surprised by replacing Keita Balde Diao at the break with Stefano Mauri, making his first appearance since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2013 after a betting ban.
“Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi were causing us problems, as De Rossi was often left alone, so I had to block these players off. Mauri is not at 100 per cent yet, but he just needs to play in order to get there.”
Lazio do seem a different team since Reja replaced Vladimir Petkovic over the Christmas break.
“There had been some changes, as a few old glories were shelves and it wasn’t easy settling young players into this environment. This team requires a solid structure and in that sense Giuseppe Biava, Andre Dias, Cristian Ledesma and Miroslav Klose are fundamental.”
Reja was also asked about his feud with Rudi Garcia, as the Roma tactician criticised him for joking he hoped one of the players got injured before the Derby.
“I apologised both publicly and privately with Roma. I did my duty and my CV speaks with not just numbers, but also behaviour, so I feel the reaction was a little over the top. It was not my objective to make barbed comments.”