Miroslav Klose insists Lazio must show faith in Stefano Pioli, despite the capital club making their worst start to a season since the 1960-61 campaign.
Having started the campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Milan in the San Siro, the Aquile bounced back when goals from Antonio Candreva, Marco Parolo, and Stefano Mauri gave them a comfortable 3-0 home win against Cesena. However, they then lost 1-0 at Genoa, and on Thursday night, they were again defeated by the same score when Udinese left the Stadio Olimpico with maximum points.
This latest loss marks Lazio’s worst start to a season for 54 years, and leaves them in 15th position in the albeit-fledgling table and just two points ahead of bottom club Cagliari. Such is the pressure-cooker environment of Serie A, this has cast doubts over the future of Pioli who succeeded Edy Reja in June, but German legend Klose insists his club must show faith in the 48-year-old.
“We are all behind Pioli, he is a really good coach,” Klose told Sky Sport Italia. “Even if the table seems to state quite the contrary, I can fairly state that this is the strongest Lazio side I’ve played in since I’ve been here. You can’t see it yet, but I think it’s true. We are on the right path and luck will soon be back on our side. Throughout the week, we train really well. Now we only have to show this on the pitch.”
Lazio are back in action on Monday evening, when they travel to Palermo. The Rosanero have also had a troubled start to the season, having failed to record a win in their opening four matches; although they have only lost once, they have drawn three times.
How long will Pioli realistically get before Lazio lose patience? Let us know your thoughts below.
