EDY REJA (FINALLY) RESIGNED FROM LAZIO

Finally, the time had come. Football season in Italy was over. Lazio and our coach, Edy Reja parted ways. Edy Reja announced he was leaving the club president Claudio Lotito even still want to stay. Reja desire to leave Lazio was already long. 66-year-old coach had twice offered to resign, but rejected the club management.

However, now Reja's decision was unanimous. He insisted to leave this summer. "My Adventures with Lazio's over," said Reja to ittaceleste.it. "President Lotito has given support to me and asked me to survive. Although my resignation was rejected, and he asked me to think again for a week, I stick with my decision."

After he stated his resignation, Reja was linked with Fiorentina. But again Reja asserts that all the news about him and Fiorentina is simply not true. "For now I probably would not consider any bids. I want to rest to coach about a year," said Reja.

 

While the president club, Claudio Lotito published an official statement signed by him and it waved good bye to Edy Reja. The statement read (translated from Italian by lazioland.com):

"Dear Coach, although respecting your decision to cease your collaboration with Lazio, I cannot help but represent the sincere disappointment with which I personally, the club and the players took the news,” wrote Lotito.

Your management has taken this team to important results over the last two years and you had the merit of creating a solid and coherent ‘group,’ thanks to the character you gave them.

You also had the necessary strength to overcome at times harsh criticism, inspiring security and calm in the Lazio camp, which were necessary to achieve these results.

Lazio are grateful for all you have done and the teachings I will treasure. I want you to know that the doors of Formello will always be open for you, in the certainty this group will remain in your heart as a symbol of one of the greatest moments of your career."

EDY REJA'S FUTURE IN LAZIO WILL BE DECIDED SOON

After the final fixture of Serie A passed over, many Laziale ask about Edy Reja's future in Lazio. The future of him is likely to be resolved in the next few days according to the club’s sporting director Igli Tare. The tactician admitted he may not be coach of the Biancocelesti next season and earlier in this campaign he also offered his resignation which was rejected by the club.

Lazio defeated Inter at the Stadio Olimpico 3-1 on Sunday to secure Europa League football next term. “I have to compliment the lads and the staff. Unfortunately, in the crucial moments of the season we lacked good fortune,” Tare told the press. “Next season we will try to be as competitive as we have been this term. Reja? Now we will celebrate this evening, then over the next few days we will have a meeting and make a decision. We must thank Reja for all he has done, but the coaching situation will be decided over the next few days.”

Source: www.forzaitalianfootball.com

A GLORY IN THE LAST FIXTURE

Biava VS Milito

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 38

LAZIO 3 VS INTERNAZIONALE 1

Lazio: Bizzarri, Scaloni, Diakite, Biava, Konko, Cana, Ledesma, Candreva (92’ Zampa), Mauri (93’ Garrido), Lulic (83’ Gonzalez), Kozak.

Inter: Castelazzi, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Nagatomo, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Poli (76’ Longo), Alvarez (61’ Pazzini), Guarin, Milito.

The last fixture had been passed successfully! Yes, Lazio brought a glory to all Laziale that attended Olimpico Stadium last night. Three goals from Libor Kozak, Antonio Candreva and Stefano Mauri became the Lazio's last goals of the season.

In the end of first half, Lazio had been left behind by the guest team after Diego Milito scored a goal from penalty spot. The referee gave a penalty kick for Inter after Ledesma did a bad bad bad tackle to Maicon in the penalty area.

Kozak celebrated his goal

Kozak and Edy Reja

But, Ledesma paid his error with one assist to Libor Kozak through a corner kick in minute 59. That was the equalizer goal for Biancoceleste. The young striker celebrated his goal with minimalist emotion. His role to replace Klose's position gave him another goal in Serie A this season.

In this match, I was really immpressed with both Candreva and Lulic movements on the field. The two players are the best players of Lazio last night! Just four minutes after Kozak's goal, both of them cooperated to create the second goal for Lazio. Lulic run on the left side area and succeed to pass through Maicon and He sent the ball to Candreva on the centre area. Amazing! Candreva shot the ball into the Castelazzi's net.

Candreva celebrated his goal

Candreva, Mauri and Kozak

Mauri and Candreva -the third goal-

Il Capitano Stefano Mauri completed Lazio's glory last night with his goal in the added times. So, the score turned to 3-1 for the home team. Nerazzurri continued to attack in the last minutes, but forget the Lazio defense who successfully exploited to score the third goal. Mauri successfully deceive Castellazzi after working together nicely with the Kozak. Then  Mauri expressed his emotion to the Curva Nord to celebrate with all of Laziale.

With this victory, Lazio get the fourth positionon the last standings of Serie A this season, because Udinese won over Catania. Fail to get the last ticket to Champions League next season. But, Europa League is not bad. Lazio finally can join a European championship next season after some of the issues affected the team throughout the season.

Wrong manuever in winter mercato by the management and endless catastrophic injuries that affected several Lazio players had caused the inconsistency of Lazio's performance. Without the problems, I think that Lazio deserved better position on the last standings. So, we need to thanks the coach Edy Reja for his hard work and of course for the players who have struggled throughout the season.


GRAZIE!! ^_^

SCENARIOS FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 38

LAZIO VS INTERNAZIONALE

After a long long season, finally we arrive at the final fixture of Serie A. For four teams -Udinese, Lazio, Napoli and Internazionale-, this last fixture is their final hope to reach the last remaining ticket for Champions League next season.

Each teams have their own scenarios to reach the last ticket. Udinese is the team that would have easier effort to reach the ticket. To occupy the leading position among the other 3 teams until the 37th week, Udinese has a simple job; win the last match, and they will be in the champions league next season. Even if they are forced to only be able to get a draw result in this last fixture, they only need Lazio to get the same result or lost. And the results of Napoli and Inter will not mean anything to Udinese.

So, how about Lazio's scenario? It would be more difficult than the Udinese's scenario. Lazio need to win against Inter and hope that Udinese and Napoli got lost in their last fixtures. Lazio will face Inter in the last fixture, a team that had a same goal; Champions League!! It would be tougher for lazio because they have never won from inter in the last several meetings before.

While Napoli and Inter had the same scenario. They must win the last fixture and hope that Udinese got lost and Lazio couldn't win. The three teams would be collect same points, 61. Then, the head-to-head record would be determine who will be the last team to Champions League next season.

Lazio vs Inter: called up players:
Berardi, Bizzarri; Biava, Diakitè, Garrido, Konko, Lulic, Sbraga, Scaloni, Zauri; Cana, Candreva, Gonzalez, Ledesma, Mauri, Onazi, Zampa; Kozak, Klose, Makinwa, Rozzi.

THREE POINTS NEEDED TONIGHT!!

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 34

LAZIO VS LECCE

After a two week rest due to the tragic death of Morosini and the postponement of last week’s round it is now time to get back to the race for third spot. Lazio will be the home team for Lecce, a team that has struggled all season but managed to get back to winning ways in recent matches.

Lazio are third from the top, while Lecce are third from the bottom and 20 points separate the two teams. Looking at the current form however, Lecce look like the superior team with nine points out of the last five matches. Lazio, on the other hand, have lost three consecutive away games, securing the six points collected from the two home games in the last five fixtures.

In the end of season, Lazio still face the problems of injury of their players. Miroslav Klose, still struggle from his injury, while Christian Brocchi will not play again this season because his injury. Radu and Konko are in doubt ahead of every game. Lulic was ruled out of training for the coming 15 days.

Lazio really need three points from this game as Napoli managed to win over Novara last night. Lazio also got a threat from Udinese if they can win the matchday tonight. While Lazio can rely on Juventus to knock down Roma Merda. With this condition, full point is a must for Lazio if they still want to hold on the third position.

Coach Edy Reja already announced the list of players called up for the match against Lecce: Berardi, Bizzarri, Marchetti; Biava, Diakitè, Dias, Garrido, Scaloni, Zauri; Cana, Candreva, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Ledesma, Matuzalem; Alfaro, Rocchi, Zampa, Rozzi.

CESARE PRANDELLI IN FORMELLO

HARD CLASH FOR LAZIO THIS WEEK

 SERIE A  2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 31

LAZIO VS NAPOLI

This week, Serie A Italia will hold a match between Lazio against Napoli. May people believe that the winner of this match will spave the way to gai a Champions League ticket for next season.

But, there are some problems both with Lazio and Napoli.The coaches of both teams must scratch their brains harder to be able to determine the best formation. This is due to the injuries remains between the two teams. 

Napoli are missing Zuniga and Gargano are suspended, while Maggio, Campagnaro and Dossena are major doubts. However this is a situation Lazio have been in all season. Andre Dias definately misses the game following his injury against Parma which may see him out for up to 3 weeks. Lulic is in recovery as is Klose, who returned last night from a medical centre in Munich. Matuzalem is looking likely to miss the match . The Brazilian has pain in his calf muscles and had to partake in light training. Meanwhile in defense, time is ticking for Radu. He spent training doing underwater exercises and is still feeling the recurrent pain in his right knee. The defense Reja may be forced to deploy is Scaloni, Diakite, Biava and Konko. Brocchi or Cana are in pole to replace Matuzalem while the definates are Ledesma, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Mauri all behind captain Rocchi.

So, I mention this match is a match of two teams who are "sick" right now. Who will be the winner? Well, I hope it will be Lazio!!

WITHOUT REJA, GIOVANNI LOPEZ TAKE THE TEAM

Coach Assistant, Giovanni Lopez

As the result from a red cards that received by coach Edy Reja in the match against Bologna last week, He's been suspended for tonight's match against Cagliari in home. The coach assistant, Giovanni Lopez will take Reja's position in this match.

The squad for the match against Cagliari tonight:

Goalkeepers: Berardi, Bizzarri, Marchetti;

Defenders: Biava, Diakite, Radu, Garrido, Konko, Scaloni, Zauri;

Midfielders: Brocchi, Cana, Candreva, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Ledesma, Mauri;

Forwards: Kozak, Alfaro, Rocchi.

And for the Lazio's starting eleven: Marchetti, Konko, Diakite, Biava, Radu, Gonzalez, Ledesma, Brocchi, Mauri, Hernanes, Rocchi.

And here is the press conference of Giovanni Lopez before the match against Cagliari tonight;

TERRIBLE MATCH AGAINST BOLOGNA

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 27

LAZIO 1 VS BOLOGNA 3

A major setback in Lazio's challenge the Champions League as last night they were soundly beaten by Bologna.. Nothing much that I can say about this match. Lazio tottally terrible and lost. Received two red cards for Matuzalem and Gonzalez. Despite the loss, Lazio keep hold of third place and also keep in touch with 2nd after Udinese's loss and Juventus' draw yesterday.

"Fortunately nothing has changed regarding the standings. A victory (last night) could have let us reach areas of ranking importance, but we are third", Reja said to Lazio Style Radio. "We accept the criticism, we will try to improve ourselves to get out of this"

While Hernanes said that Lazio would have been drunk by the derby victory against Roma Merda, "We are too much partying until the approach taken in the game looked less than maximum," said Hernanes.

"But Lazio has not been exhausted, the chance for the Champions League is still wide open. It is time for us to rise up, self-confidence it has not gone away," he said. "We sure will end the season by bringing satisfaction to the fans,"

KEEP ON RUNNING TO CHASE THE CAPOLISTA!!

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 27

LAZIO VS BOLOGNA

OLIMPICO STADIUM, ROMA

After a victory in the derby match, tonight Lazio will face the first test in their home in a campaigne to chase the capolista position. The opponent is Bologna, a team who just had held draw Juventus in a delayed midweek match in Thursday.

Last week, after the derby match Edy Reja has been insisted that the Scudetto could still be achieved by his men. But, with some players that are still struggling with their injuries, could Lazio keep on running to chase Milan and Juventus on the top standing of Serie A tonight?

Here are the players who are called for the match tonight against Bologna;

Goalkeeper: Berardi, Bizzarri, Marchetti

Defender: Diakitè, Dias, Garrido, Salustri, Sbraga, Zauri

Midfielder: Candreva, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Mauri, Zampa

Forward: Alfaro, Klose, Kozak

EDOARDO REJA'S JOYFUL IN THE DERBY

Lazio coach, Edy Reja felt as if his squad never ever had a nightmare before like some ashamed lost from Atletico Madrid, Siena and Palermo. The victory in the last derby gave him too much joyful. Then, after the victory he told the media that he intended to coach Lazio for ten years again.

Previously, Edy Reja had offered to resign as Lazio coach because the problems he had with the president Claudio Lotito and the Sport Director Igli Tare. But, after some weeks, the three men succeed to solve the problems they had. And in the derby match, Reja paid it. He gave the second glorious derby in this season. Well done, Reja!! Grazie!!

DIEGO SIMEONE RETURN TO ROME

Coach of Atletico Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone is expecting a warm reception when he leads his side out against Lazio in Thursday’s matchday of Europa League knock-out tie in Rome. The former Lazio player has fond memories of his time with the Biancoceleste, highlighting the moment when the fans cheered for him upon his return from a lengthy injury lay-off.

“There is a strong bond between the fans and me. I had four years at Lazio and one season (2001/02) I struggled with injury. I will never forget the moment I came back from my knee injury and how they welcomed me. It was just amazing,” Simeone was quoted as saying on UEFA.com. “It was a very emotional moment, comparable to becoming champions, and I am eternally grateful.”

However, the former Catania coach is also concentrating to gain a positive result in tonight match against Lazio. Yes, He had some good memories in Olimpico, but now He will come as an opponent's side.

“It will be a very hard tie because they are having a good season in both league and cup – knowing Lazio, going a long way in the Europa League will also be a target,” Simeone said. “Today they are a good team, their coach, Edy Reja has been there a while now and he is doing a good job. He knows the city and club. I hope we can repeat our success of 2010 and win but we know it’s becoming more and more difficult in the Europa League, because you have very strong teams involved.”

3 DAYS REMAINING TO FACE ATLETICO MADRID...

• Senad Lulic, Stefan Radu and Emilliano Alfaro and Marius Stankevicius ready for the Atletico Madrid clash this Thursday, but Andre Dias certainly out.

• The former player of Lazio and current Atletico Madrid's coach Diego Pablo Simeone said that This thursday matchday in Europa League is a real challenge for his team. He also said that Edy Reja is doing well for Lazio.

• In a chance Stefano Mauri told us, "Finally I am back in training!". Yes, He should be back soon!

ROSE FROM BEHIND!!

SERIE A 2011 / 2012 MATCHDAY 23

LAZIO 3 VS CESENA 2

Lazio: Marchetti, Konko, Zauri, Biava, Lulic, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Candreva (46’ Kozak, 83’ Scaloni), Klose.

Cesena: Antoniolo, Comotto, Rodriguez, Lauro, Ceccarelli, Santana (70’ Guana), Colucci, Parolo, Pudil 64’ Del Nero), Iaquinta (59’ Rennella), Mutu. 

Miroslav Klose struggled

Lazio rose from behind against Cesena in matchday 23 of Serie A last thursday. In this match, Lazio played without 10 players that usually dependable to be the best squad members. They all got some injuries, except Diakite who missed this match because he got suspension after red card incident against Genoa.

In the first half, Adrian Mutu opened the score in this match. The second had been created through penalty kick of Vincenzo Iaquinta. In minute 35, Konko fouled Mutu inside the penalty area and referee Romeo not only gave Cesena a penalty gift, but he also gave Konko a red card. Lazio really surprised with these two goals of Cesena. Many people probably thought that Lazio will be lost again in this match.

Hernanes's stunning shot

Lulic's goal

Kozak's goal

Eventhough Lazio had already left by two goals to nothing, but Edy Reja's men didn't give up so easily. In the second half, through a drive shot of Hernanes, Lazio gained their first goal in minute 53. The Bosnian Senad Lulic then scored the equalizer to made the score 2-2 only seven minutes after Hernanes' goal, and the scoring of the evening ended with a Kozak's goal within ten minutes of Lazio’s first goal.It was a nice return for the youngster after several weeks struggled with his injury.

Lazio elevate to the third position with this result. But, coach Edy Reja is not supposed to be happy too much because he needs to consolidate his team quickly to face the next important matches. In Serie A, next week Lazio will face Palermo in the opponent's home. After that, Atletico Madrid will be waiting in Europa League.

Kozak and Tata celebrated the last goal

WORKSOUT AT OSTIA

Edy Reja

I've just saw some pictures that had been uploaded by SS Lazio Pagina Ufficiale on their facebook page. Miroslav Klose and the others looks on a training camp in Ostia. Coach Edy Reja also present there to supervise his player. Lazio need to consolidate their team after unstable performance recently. Two weeks ago, they won amazingly against Milan, but after that, they lost against Genoa in the last matchday of Serie A.

Miroslav Klose

Diakite and Klose

Gonzalez and Konko

Kozak with others

And here are the latest news' of Lazio;

• Libor Kozak finally return to training camp of Lazio. But, according to the medical team, it needs approximately one week for Kozak to reach his best condition.

• Biava to meet with Lotito for a contract renewal [source: LLSN]. 

• Mobido Diakite will miss the matches against Cesena and Palermo after his red card against Genoa.
• Lazio has requested that the match against Cesena is to be played at 15.00 instead of 20.45.
• Simeone: "One day I will coach Lazio. It will warm my heart if Curva Nord sings my name" [source:Gazzetta].
• Radu expected to start at centre-back postion against Cesena.

Antonio Candreva, Laziale enemy...

• Antonio Candreva set to make his full Lazio debut against Cesena after Il Capitano Tommaso Rocchi's injury in the last match against Genoa.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LAZIALE..

 

Well, maybe it's just too late... But, I just want to do what I've never told to all Laziale before ^_^.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 TO SS LAZIO AND ALL LAZIALE ALL OVER THE WORLD

LOST TWO POINTS IN OLIMPICO TWICE!!

SERIE A 2011/2012 MATCHDAY 15 & 16

LAZIO 2 VS UDINESE 2

LAZIO 0 VS CHIEVO 0

Lazio had lost two points twice when they were playing in Olimpico against Udinese in Sunday and Chievo in Wednesday. Against Udinese, Lazio actually lead in the second half 2-1 until the ex player of biancoceleste Gian Piero Pinzi scored his equalizer goal. Senad Lulic and Miroslav Klose, once again showed up as the scorers for the Edy Reja's squad.

Just three days later after the matchday against Udinese, Lazio face the matchday 16 of Serie A. They still played in their home, Stadio Olimpico. But, the opponent they face now was Chievo Verona.

Actually, Lazio dominated this match over the guest team. But unfortunately, the imperfect finishing of Lazio players made some chances that they had, gain nothing. Edy Reja, even said that match against Chievo was the worst match that Lazio ever played this season.

Then, finally Lazio ended this year with two draw results that brought them only two points. Lazio still held on the fourth position behind the capolista Juventus and Milan with 4 points gap. Udinese on the third position with 2 points gap with Lazio.