Reja apologises for heavy defeat

Lazio coach Edy Reja has apologised to the club’s fans following Sunday’s humiliating defeat at Palermo.

The Romans conceded five goals for the first time this season as they suffered a 5-1 loss at the Renzo Barbera stadium.

Lazio went into that game without eight key players through injury or suspension, including four regular defenders, but Reja made no excuses for his side’s dismal performance.

“This was not the real Lazio,” Reja told reporters after the Sunday night’s match.

“We had a total blackout. I had to put Cristian Ledesma in defence because there were no other options. So, of course, we had difficulties.

“I apologise to the fans because despite having to do without several players, to give away five goals at Palermo means that my team never showed up to play.”

Lazio’s injury crisis will continue this week with Reja set to be without a host of players when his side travels to Spain on Thursday needing to overturn a 3-1 deficit at Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

“We have got to stick together and get through this,” Reja said.

“We must turn the page and above all not let ourselves get too downhearted. I just hope I can recover some players this week.”

Sunday’s result dropped the Sky Blues to fourth place, level on 42 points with Udinese, who are third and now hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.