Edy Reja was relieved Lazio” data-scaytid=”3″>Lazio managed to beat Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”4″>Fiorentina to calm the crisis talk around his team.
Edy Reja was relieved Lazio managed to beat Fiorentina to calm the crisis talk around his team.
Lorik Cana’s acrobatic volley after just five minutes proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Franchi.
“I have some great lads and I’m happy Federico Marchetti did well tonight, as he was torn apart a few days ago,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“Mistakes can happen and a goalkeeper’s errors are often more visible, but it was very disappointing to see people react that way. I spoke to him and told him to keep going, as it’s not easy to be out for over two months.
“We did not deserve to be eliminated in the Europa League, even if we shot ourselves in the foot to a certain degree, so this victory was needed to boost confidence.
“We had several chances to finish off the game, including hitting the woodwork, but we must learn to be more ruthless. We can’t have so many opportunities and still suffer to the final whistle.
“The young players are talented and we have to believe in them when seeing them train well during the week. We are also looking to the future, but that means giving them experience.
“Brayan Perea doesn’t hold up the ball as well as Miro Klose does, but tonight and against Ludogorets he worked very hard indeed and now he needs to rest!”
Lazio bizarrely play better away from home at the moment, as there are fewer fans hurling abuse at President Claudio Lotito. It is not a situation Reja appreciates.
“The President is accustomed to dialogue, but I told him both sides need to bury the hatchet and move forward. The club cannot live without its fans. In the environment that we’re in now, it is very difficult to play football.
“The team needs help from its supporters to the end of the season, then if they want the fans can protest.”