Reja rues Lazio form slump

Lazio head coach Edoardo Reja believes his side must drastically improve if they are to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Reja’s men lost 2-1 to lowly Novara on Wednesday, denting their hopes of qualification with four matches of the Serie A season to go.

The Lazio coach feels injuries have taken their toll on his squad, but he still harbours hope of making it into Europe’s elite competition.

“Some situations are difficult to understand sometimes, we don’t manage to finish some actions,” Reja said.

“Obviously the team is not that brilliant at the moment, as you can see it.

“In spite of this, we tried to play our game today even if the impression is we are in some difficulties, but that’s how it went.”

Lazio fell behind after Mobido Diakite conceded an own-goal in the 35th minute of the match.

They were level two minutes later through Antonio Candreva, but Giuseppe Mascara’s goal with 11 minutes remaining sealed it for the unfancied hosts.

“We managed to create some chances and unfortunately we didn’t manage to win,” Reja said.

“I think Novara’s goalkeeper was one of the best players onto the pitch. We’ve been unlucky, we are having some injuries problems and the performances aren’t good enough.

“We don’t know which way to turn anymore, but we’re still in the condition of doing something and hopefully we can have some players back.

Lazio remain third on the table, inside the Champions League qualification places, one point ahead of fourth-placed Napoli.

On Sunday they face a crucial showdown away to fifth-placed Udinese.