Porto coach Sergio Conceicao highlighted how important Lazio were to him ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League play-off match.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) earlier today, the Portuguese coach first discussed his experiences and memories of the Biancocelesti.
Lazio, for the experience we lived and for the titles we won, represents a lot for me, I have beautiful memories in Rome and I feel great affection for the Biancocelesti.
I know we’re up against a very strong team, the best team will come through.
He touched on which competition is the priority for Porto this season.
Our priority is the league, but we are Porto and we must always give our best in every competition.
Conceicao spoke about how he’s prepared for an Italian side tomorrow.
I wouldn’t say coincidence, but work. Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese, English: we prepare well by studying the opponent. We are Porto and we must always think of being at a high European level.
Finally, Conceicao discussed Lazio winger Felipe Anderson, who spent last season on loan with Porto.
He didn’t have the chance to play much but he has incredible physical and technical skills. The problem was motivational, of confidence.
Porto currently sit top of the Primeira Liga after 22 games, six points ahead of second place Sporting. They’ve won four of their last five games, with the draw coming against Sporting 2-2 last week.
Conceicao spent three years of his career with Lazio, from 1998 to 2000 and 2003 to 2004. In that time, he won a league title, two Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.