Reja: We will break out of slump

Lazio manager Edy Reja is confident his side can break their recent run of outs with victory over Fiorentina in the Serie A on Saturday.

The fourth-placed side in the Italian top flight has won just one of their past five in all competitions, slipping seven points behind league leaders AC Milan, but Reja believes his side can continue to challenge for the title if they remain positive.

“Of course you can have difficult moments during a championship, both physically and mentally. We are still in an excellent position though, even if we are having some problems. We haven’t lost much ground on the table after the Christmas break. Of course some other teams are nearer now, but we still are in a position to fight,” Reja said.

Reja said he felt Fiorentina are likely to play for a point in their clash at the Stadio Olimpico, and was aware of their defensive structure.

“Strangely enough, in away matches, they sometimes play even better than in home matches because they play with four backs and five midfielders, 4-5-1 when they defend, so it isn’t easy to attack. That’s why it will be tough, as it often happens when we meet very defensive teams,” Reja said.

“Then of course they have very good players for counter-attacks, we know that and we have focused our work on that this week, considering Fiorentina’s shape now. We need our determination and confidence back, without being afraid as we’ve shown in the last matches.”

Reja said his team would push hard for the first goal on Saturday to give them the necessary confidence to down their 11th-placed opponents.

“I want a team that can be intelligent, a team with a rational play and able to take the lead. All my players must take the initiative when they catch the ball, in order to create difficulties to our opponents. That should be our attitude,” he said.