Stefano Pioli admits “it wasn’t the performance we expected” from Lazio in their home defeat to Udinese” data-scaytid=”3″>Udinese.
This is Lazio’s worst start to the season since 2007-08, notching up one win and three defeats.
Stefano Pioli admits “it wasn’t the performance we expected” from Lazio in their home defeat to Udinese.
This is Lazio’s worst start to the season since 2007-08, notching up one win and three defeats.
“It certainly wasn’t the performance or the game we expected,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“There was a step backwards in terms of intensity and tempo, which is precisely what we didn’t want considering what happened on Sunday.
“Udinese created very little, but once again we were surprised against the run of play and did not manage to get it back on track.”
Lazio also lost 1-0 to Genoa on Sunday, but had wasted numerous scoring opportunities and rattled the woodwork, whereas this evening they struggled to test Orestis Karnezis.
“When a team creates so many chances in front of goal as in the previous games, then I cannot be worried, but tonight we were too slow in moving the ball around and that helped a very compact side like Udinese.
“We wanted to create width and cross for our strikers, but if you move the ball around too slowly then it becomes tough to surprise defenders. At the same time we did put a lot of crosses in, but half-chances aren’t enough for us at the moment.
“Of course I cannot be satisfied with this performance or our position in the table. Our situation demanded more determination and intensity, which is the biggest regret and what we really need to work on.”
Pioli also had some decisions forced upon him, losing Santiago Gentiletti, Dusan Basta, Lucas Biglia and the suspended Stefan de Vrij.
“I was forced to change many players from Sunday. I have many attacking options on the bench, but if the team doesn’t move the ball around quickly then it becomes difficult for any striker.”
President Claudio Lotito went into the locker room after the game and Pioli revealed there were no pats on the back for his players.
“Did he give us a pep talk? More than reassuring us, the President was disappointed with the performance and the result. That’s how we feel too, as it is evident we did not play to our potential tonight.”