Arne Slot was ready for a true test of Feyenoord’s qualities in their must-win Europa League clash against Lazio.
The Dutch outfit currently sit third in Group F after five games, three points behind joint top Lazio and Sturm Graz. They need to secure all three points at home against the Biancocelesti this evening if they want to progress to the knock-out stages, putting the pressure on ahead of a key clash.
Speaking in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Slot first discussed Feyenoord’s loss to Lazio in September and the team’s growth since then.
We tried to win in the first leg as well, Lazio were stronger. We played our worst first half, but we learned a lot about tactics. Never have I felt so powerless as in the first half. It was my fault, we started badly.
Now we have learnt what we have to improve. Too hot, by the way, when everything went wrong and also running was too much. I am curious to see what the difference will be between the first leg and the second to see if it has served as a lesson for us.
With the support of the crowd the game will be more balanced. We have learnt that the intensity has to be higher. Lazio play with a short system, we have to improve our pressure. Intensity is more important than tactics. Our attitude will make the difference.
He commented on the absence of Lazio star Ciro Immobile.
I believe that even without Ciro, Lazio will play the same way, but it’s true that he’s very good and of high quality. They also have other strong players, it’s certainly better for us that he won’t be there.
The Feyenoord coach touched on the few extra rest days afforded to his side. The team did not play an Eredivisie match this weekend.
Even before the final against Roma we had a rest, but you know the result. The attitude is fundamental.
Slot gave his thoughts on Group F of the Europa League as a whole.
Everyone thought Lazio were the strongest in the group, but the others were just less known. Playing against us, we noticed that ours was a balanced group. However, Lazio are still in first place.
We’re balanced, three exceptions, like the match between Feyenoord and Lazio. For the fans the ugliest game was the one in Graz, lost despite the chances.
This happens because when you play like this there are four factors, set pieces, the referee, personal errors and two players who can determine the match.
Finally, Slot made a brief comment about the strengths of Serie A leaders Napoli.
I like the way they play, against Lazio they won but it was not easy. From this you can see that Lazio are really strong.
