Edy Reja maintains he's not surprised Lazio have slipped back. “We couldn't maintain that early season pace, but we can qualify for Europe.”
Some thought a Scudetto challenge was on the cards and the Biancocelesti are still in third place, but their Coach is more practical.
“We cannot always expect to pick up as many points as we did in the first few months. We were top of the table and we couldn't maintain that pace,” warned Reja.
Edy Reja maintains he's not surprised Lazio have slipped back. “We couldn't maintain that early season pace, but we can qualify for Europe.”
Some thought a Scudetto challenge was on the cards and the Biancocelesti are still in third place, but their Coach is more practical.
“We cannot always expect to pick up as many points as we did in the first few months. We were top of the table and we couldn't maintain that pace,” warned Reja.
“Now we want to concentrate on Europe and I believe we can qualify. We're still in a strong position and tomorrow's game with Sampdoria becomes absolutely crucial. We'll need the best Lazio to get a result.”
Defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and Stefan Radu are both injury doubts after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Lecce, while focus is also split by the upcoming Coppa Italia clash with rivals Roma.
“To be honest, I haven't yet thought about Roma or talked to the lads about that game. The Sampdoria match is far too important for that.”
The transfer window has seen the Biancocelesti very active and ready to bring in Giuseppe Sculli from Genoa.
“If Sculli does arrive, then another forward has to go, because I don't want too big a squad,” noted Reja.
“Of course Sculli has great quality and can help us out. The club has spoken to Sculli and he can adopt attacking roles on the right, left or middle. He'd bring us more options and that is an advantage.
“That's not to say the only new arrival in attack must be Sculli, as he is not a very physical centre-forward. We'll see, as the club is working on numerous targets.”