Lazio sporting director Igli Tare discussed the Biancocelesti’s upcoming key Champions League clash against Club Brugge and Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia before the game.
Without a doubt it is a mini-final for our path, seeing also the difficulties we are going through this season. To progress after playing very well in the groups is an obligation for us.
We face this match with the best team, the spare parts were fundamental. They were all good to fit in quickly and this is an advantage for us.
He then commented on the importance of Spanish veteran Pepe Reina, who has recently displaced Albanian shot stopper Thomas Strakosha in the starting line-up.
We chose him for his international stature, but we remember that Strakosha has also made an important growth path. He is going through a difficult period after Covid, at this moment Reina has played and proved his total value.
We played a great group stage, we never lost. Tonight, we play at home and we must aim to win, not think about managing the game.
Lazio are currently second in Group F after five games, one point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund and two points ahead of third place Club Brugge. A draw is enough to qualify for the next round of the competition.
