Lazio director Igli Tare concedes they are not at full strength against Borussia Dortmund, but ‘fought many years to reach the Champions League and want to enjoy it.’
It kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Lazio director Igli Tare concedes they are not at full strength against Borussia Dortmund, but ‘fought many years to reach the Champions League and want to enjoy it.’
It kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“It’s disappointing that we make our return to the Champions League without a stadium full of fans, but we fought many years to get here and want to enjoy it fully,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve still got quite a few players out injured, so preparation for the game was not optimal and there were only 11 training yesterday, but those who step on to the pitch know it’s an honour to play this competition and we need to get a result.”
Lazio eventually finished fourth, but had until the lockdown been top of the table ahead of Juventus.
“Many things happened over the last few months. Perhaps the expectations were too high, we had a lot of injuries, but also liquidity rules damaged our ability to act on the transfer market. We had wanted to complete the squad with at least three weeks to spare before the season began, instead we only finished it very late.
“At the same time, I think I can say this Lazio side is stronger than last season, so their quality will emerge in the long run.”
Tare was again asked about the negotiations to extend coach Simone Inzaghi’s contract.
“I said many times, Inzaghi is the history of this club. It’s like a family, there is mutual respect between Claudio Lotito and Inzaghi, so we’ll discuss a renewal at the opportune moment.”