Edy Reja said tomorrow’s game with Parma is “decisive” for Lazio’s” data-scaytid=”3″>Lazio’s campaign, but the “anomalous” fan protest piles on pressure.
Edy Reja said tomorrow’s game with Parma is “decisive” for Lazio’s campaign, but the “anomalous” fan protest piles on pressure.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 14.00 UK time, click here for a match preview.
“It is going to be decisive for us, seeing as over the last two games we have done badly,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Parma are in sixth place, valid for the Europa League, on 47 points followed by Atalanta” data-scaytid=”10″>Atalanta on 43 and Lazio with 42.
“We had done well against Genoa before the goal and kept a high tempo, but we didn’t take our chances and lacked sharpness in the final third. I am still happy with what the team is doing, but we just don’t turn our possession into goals.”
Cristian Ledesma is on a two-match ban with Lucas Biglia, Bruno Pereirinha and Ederson injured.
“Unfortunately we have only a few midfielders available. I have Lorik Cana, who can also play in the middle, while Stefano Mauri is back.
“Before considering the future of Lazio, we have to focus on the present. I am convinced the President will build a strong side with elements who can make the squad more solid.”
The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico will again be both tense and surreal, as the Curva Nord is left empty by the on-going protest of Lazio ultras.
“We won’t let this affect my choices. We are all committed to doing great things next season, regardless of what happens now.
“We have a group of long-standing players who provide unity in the locker room, but the players are not insensitive to what is going on.
“A side becomes strong when there is a unity between the club and the environment around it, but here there is an anomalous situation. The players do feel the effects of it.
“I realised when I took over that this was a team in pieces. There was no logic to their construction and the players had no sense of certainty. We progressed a great deal and I am satisfied with the work done so far, but qualifying for Europe would be miraculous.”