Former Feyenoord and Lazio forward Julio Cruz is excited for the upcoming Europa League group stage clashes between his former sides.
The Biancocelesti and the Dutch side have been drawn into Group F alongside Midtjylland and Sturm Graz. The favourites to pass the group are undoubtedly Lazio and Feyenoord, and the two teams will likely be competing for the top spot, which guarantees progression to the knockout stages. A second place finish sets up a play-off clash against an eliminated Champions League side.
Speaking to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Julio Cruz first reacted to the Europa League draw.
It’s a good group because Feyenoord are a team that played in a final last year. They’ve worked a lot and haven’t played a final for many years. They haven’t won the league title for a while.
It’ll be a good challenge. We all know how Lazio play. They played a great game yesterday and won a great match against Inter.
He touched on the impact of the fans in the Stadio Olimpico.
It’s very difficult to play there. I faced Lazio when I played for Feyenoord. It was a Champions League game and playing at the Olimpico is not easy, especially when you face a team like Lazio.
You have to concentrate because even when you aren’t the favourites anything can happen.
The former forward also highlighted the difficulty of playing at Feyenoord’s De Kuip.
It’s tough. It’s a very hot stadium that becomes bedlam. When the stadium lights up it’s a spectacle.
The Feyenoord fans are great too, but I think Lazio will have no problem getting through if they keep playing like this.
Cruz commented on if this Lazio side was strong enough to qualify for the Champions League.
Sarri’s second year is important. The players know him well and I think he can finish in the top four. They’re a team that has been doing well for many years both in the league and in the European cups.
Returning to the Champions League would be a wonderful goal for the club, the fans and the city.
He touched on if Lazio have a chance of going all the way in the Europa League this season.
I think so even though there are many other strong teams. With the game we saw yesterday they can go all the way. But a lot depends on the teams you face and the draw, it’s not like a league.
Finally, Cruz discussed the qualities of Ciro Immobile and where he ranks amongst the best strikers in the world.
I’ve seen him play for many years. At the beginning there were a lot of people who didn’t think he could reach these numbers. I saw it straight away. The goals he scores and his ability to finish could be seen many years ago.
He was the team’s and the league’s top scorer for many years. Lazio have had great strikers, but Ciro is the best I’ve seen. In the world of football he is one of the best there is.
