Lazio defender Mario Gila spoke at a press conference after the team`s 1-1 home draw against Juventus. Here are his statements covering various aspects of the team`s performance and situation.
Asked about the team conceding goals at the beginning of halves, Gila replied: “It`s definitely linked to concentration. We conceded a similar goal against Parma as well. Perhaps the second part of the season is affecting us negatively. In these last two matches, we need to be very concentrated to avoid conceding these types of goals. We must fix this problem because it causes us difficulty, and at 0-0, the opponents would suffer much more, especially when numerically disadvantaged.”
Regarding the team`s three-month winless streak at home, Gila stated: “We ask ourselves the same thing. We try to give our all both away and here at home; in fact, we try even harder here because the fans push us to the maximum. It`s a shame that we are giving them so little satisfaction. It`s a factor of concentration, but it`s true that we need to resolve this situation. Winning at home should be easier, and it would be wonderful to give the fans these satisfactions.”
On whether the team is starting a new cycle with coach Baroni, Gila commented: “He has improved us mentally a lot. I see a team that never gives up, even with negative results. We fight until the last minute; emotionally, we are very strong, and this is the most important aspect. The coach has improved us in this regard, both as a team and individually.”
Concerning the absences of Zaccagni and Pellegrini for the match against Inter, Gila said: “They will certainly be two significant absences. However, we are confident in our team and the depth of our squad. They are two important players, but whoever plays, we know they will give their all on the field and help the team, just like everyone else. Whoever plays will assist the team.”
Asked about defensive difficulties and areas for improvement, Gila explained: “We are conceding many goals. It`s a factor related to the midfield because we struggle playing with only two midfielders. We suffer on second balls, also because we are outnumbered in midfield, and we concede many balls after these second balls. As a team, we will work on these aspects. Not conceding so many goals will help us in the future, and it is certainly an area to improve.”