Edy Reja admits “Lazio risk relegation and so we need the support of our fans” after last night’s boycott.
The ultras announced they would abandon the Stadio Olimpico in protest at recent results and the management of President Claudio Lotito.
It proved a successful call, as only 9,300 spectators attended the 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
“I do not understand this protest,” said Coach Reja. “I am new to this club, but I really don’t get this reaction.
“Lazio risk relegation and so we need the support of our fans, now more than ever. I thank those who did attend last night and cheered on the side for the entire game.“This needs to be the mentality if someone truly cares about Lazio. Admittedly, a lot depends on our performances, too.”The Biancocelesti were leading for almost the whole 90 minutes, but conceded Keirrison’s equaliser in stoppages.
Results today could mean the reigning Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup holders sliding back into the bottom three.
“A side does not avoid relegation in two or three games. A result helps to boost confidence and self-belief, especially as Lazio are not accustomed to battling against relegation.
“We need to change our mentality and fight for every ball. Every game from now until the end of the season is potentially very dangerous,” continued Reja.
“If we had beaten Fiorentina, then our next performance would have been better due to that added confidence.
“We need 14 points to hit that magic 40 mark of safety. We’ve got to get back on track as soon as possible.”
There's plenty of Merda on these forums... and indeed plenty of Merda in the Lazio heirarchy... Reja is now officially part of that as well! Any person that wants to give Lazio the least chance of winning is Merda.
For all of Ballardini's faults, I do not ever remember him blaming the fans for not winning - he would be deluded as fuck by saying 'We played a good game' blah blah blah 'We played a good intensity and were unlucky' etc etc. But he would never go so far as to question the behaviour of the supporters
These players are paid 'professionals'. Whether they are playing in front of 80,000 or 8000, they have a job to do. Just like the manager has a job to do to try and give those 'professionals' the best chance to win games of football. Both epically failed last night. I am really amused (or not) at how Reja is, predictably, also blaming a lack of confidence on this, because I remember the Parma game in which is played close to our best game of the season, we were zipping about, always chasing the ball, always looking to press and get a second goal. Then Palermo came, and we only lost because of 3 pathetic defensive errors, we had enough possession and attacking thrust to argue we could have got something out the game if the defence wasen't as retarded. So, somehow, just one defeat since Parma has completely and utterly removed all the confidence (and ability) out of the players. How can this be? Isn't it Reja's job (like he promised) to inject much needed confidence in the team?
He says we need to reach 40 points, that's a given, and we need 14 more. Here are our fixtures.
Samp vs Lazio 0
Lazio vs Bari 3
Cagliari vs Lazio 0 or 1
Lazio vs Siena 3
AC vs Lazio 0
Lazio vs Napoli 0 or 1
Bologna vs Lazio 1
Derby 0
Genoa vs Lazio 0 or 1
Lazio vs Inter 0
Livorno vs Lazio 1
Lazio vs Udinese 1
To be brutally honest, I can see us getting between 9 -12 points out of those games! So it really will be down to Livorno and us IMO!
