Edy Reja does not believe “the spell has broken” for Lazio after two consecutive defeats and prepares a return to form against Napoli.
They lost the leadership of Serie A with back-to-back losses against Roma and Cesena, just as people were beginning to suggest they were Scudetto material.
“I see too much scepticism around Lazio, but within us we have the same conviction that we'll do well this season. After all, we are still in second place,” said the Coach.
Edy Reja does not believe “the spell has broken” for Lazio after two consecutive defeats and prepares a return to form against Napoli.
They lost the leadership of Serie A with back-to-back losses against Roma and Cesena, just as people were beginning to suggest they were Scudetto material.
“I see too much scepticism around Lazio, but within us we have the same conviction that we'll do well this season. After all, we are still in second place,” said the Coach.
“We'll see where we all are at the halfway point, but already tomorrow I expect a return to form against a great side like Napoli. If we play our game, then we can win.”
This is the Sunday lunchtime kick-off at 11.30 UK time, 12.30 in Italy.
“We were happy on top of the table and first place gave us self-confidence which we want to maintain. Recently incidents have gone against us, so with Napoli I want intensity and a result once more. The spell has not broken.
“I take responsibility for the defeat at Cesena on Wednesday, as I rotated the squad too much and used players who tend to hog the ball. We rested some key figures who give us the fire we need.”
Reja substituted Mauro Zarate in that match and criticised his egotism, fuelling rumours of a January departure.
“We talked on Wednesday evening. He can be a little irritable and that's normal, but there was nothing serious.
“I also spoke to Tommaso Rocchi, who is always at the disposal of the team and sets an example for everybody. I told him to wait for his moment and am so pleased he never had a negative attitude.”