Petkovic focuses on positives

Lazio head coach Vladimir Petkovic refused to be downcast despite his side exiting the Europa League on Thursday.

Lazio drew with Fenerbahce 1-1 but lost their quarter-final tie 3-1 on aggregate and Petkovic will now need to pick up his side for Monday’s Serie A clash with leaders Juventus, as they continue their quest to finish in the top three of the table.

“First of all my compliments to Fenerbahce for the result,” Petkovic said.

“I hope they will prove their value in the semi-final too. Unfortunately, we paid the price from first leg result a lot.”

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Senad Lulic’s opener gave Lazio hope before Caner Erkin drew level for the visitors to seal Fenerbahce’s passage into the last four.

“If it went differently there, I’m sure we would have qualified and they fought against the whole stadium tonight, too,” Petkovic said.

“I cannot be angry with my players tonight, they played a good game, they gave all that they had, we led the game and dominated with 15 shots at goal to two.

“We missed that 10 percent, our supporters, the need to be at the right place in the right moment and a bit of luck too, because their goalkeeper saved balls with hands and feet.

“This happens in football, we paid various things, I’m proud of what my players have done up to now.

“Our adventure in the UEFA Europa League is over, we didn’t want it, we wanted to win tonight’s game and we tried until the 93rd minute of play.”

Lazio now turn their attention to Juventus in what looms as a huge Serie A clash.

“Now let’s rest and look ahead with our heads up and let’s try to remain focused, rest a bit and then start over with another good game on Monday, finding the right men to play and trying to remain close to the top positions of the league, as well as winning the game against Juventus,” Petkovic said.