Edy Reja is already looking to next weekend’s clash between Lazio and Napoli, conceding that the destiny of both clubs’ seasons hinges on Week 31.
Lazio welcome Walter Mazzarri’s side to the Stadio Olimpico next Saturday one place and three points ahead of the Vesuviani and currently occupying the final Champions League qualification spot.
That the gap is still this close is in some part down to the Biancocelesti’s drop in form, which has seen them lose three of the last four played, including Week 30’s trip to Parma.
Edy Reja is already looking to next weekend’s clash between Lazio and Napoli, conceding that the destiny of both clubs’ seasons hinges on Week 31.
Lazio welcome Walter Mazzarri’s side to the Stadio Olimpico next Saturday one place and three points ahead of the Vesuviani and currently occupying the final Champions League qualification spot.
That the gap is still this close is in some part down to the Biancocelesti’s drop in form, which has seen them lose three of the last four played, including Week 30’s trip to Parma.
“Unfortunately we dropped and it was not our intention,” reflected Reja on Lazio Style Radio in reference to the 3-1 reverse last Saturday.
“But, nothing is lost, we just didn’t take advantage of many opportunities presented to us.
“We look ahead and prepare in the right way for the game with Napoli. For then as for us, it will be a final. Saturday will decide our destiny.
“We didn’t need this setback. There had already been a drop in energy, but even doing an analysis of the situations of the other teams like Napoli and Udinese, I notice that after European midweek games they too have had performances that weren’t so great.
“We have a significant margin, even if those behind us, like Inter and Roma, have approached.”
Reja compared what he is trying to achieve with Lazio to what he managed with Napoli a few years ago.
“With Napoli we took a journey into Serie A and then into Europe, I cannot forget this. At Lazio it is no less either, here I have travelled a major journey and to reach the target would be a source of great satisfaction.”
The Coach also took time to remember Lazio legend Giorgio Chinaglia, who passed away at the weekend.
“He is remembered clearly by all of Lazio’s fans, a great athlete of the Lazio team. It took me by surprise, these are characters that seem to never die.
“He was at an age too young, a year younger than me.
“He leaves a huge void, he was an extraordinary character, he has always stood out. He had great charisma and temperament, he was a driver. We must take a cue from these skills and this interpretation of how to play.”