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Rossi blames injury woes Tuesday 18 September, 2007

Delio Rossi insists Lazio would have beaten Olympiakos had they been in better physical shape.

“We wasted two or three good chances in the first half that a fit Stefano Mauri would have buried,” he said of the 1-1 draw in Athens.

“The team hung on relatively well in the circumstances. We feared Lomana LuaLua’s pace and with a few players on bookings they were afraid to tackle him.

“I am satisfied, though, as it is not easy for a team to make its Champions League debut, fight back from a goal down and have several opportunities to win it.”

Valon Behrami was suspended, adding to an injury crisis in Athens, and many of the Biancocelesti were making their Champions League debuts.

“We have everything we need to be content. We are in the Champions League and have not lost yet all season. Many of our players have been injured for a long time and we are slowly getting back to our old selves. One can improve with the right spirit and we are getting there.”

Tommaso Rocchi disappointed with only one real shot on goal in the final minutes, but Rossi looked at the squad as a whole.

“Rocchi played his part, just as the others did. We are a team that cannot afford to be lazy. We have certain characteristics and have to remain focused at all times.”

The atmosphere also did not help, as the game was played behind closed doors due to crowd trouble by Olympiakos last term.

“If the team had a few less fitness worries tonight, they would have won the match. It is not easy in the Champions League when you go behind on your debut, especially when there is no crowd to cheer you on. I think it is unnatural for football to be played behind closed doors, as it becomes a whole other type of sport.”

The Lazio boss shook off questions about the tactical approach to this match being different in Europe to Serie A.

“I knew Olympiakos would use this system. Paradoxically, I know we will face stronger sides on paper, but I depend mainly on my own team.

“If we play our own way and focus on ourselves then we can face anyone. It is that self-belief I want to get back in the squad.”

In the other Group C tie, Real Madrid earned a late 2-1 win over Werder Bremen. This is a good result for Lazio, who go second.