Elfsborg, Europa League, Transfer Talk And An Injury Crisis: A Day In The Life Of Lazio

By: cathal | August 28th, 2009

I have a lot to get through as you might have guessed from the title. Last night, we succumbed to a poor defeat against Elfsborg which will once again raise that all-important debate over ‘result’ and ‘performance.’ Whatever your thoughts on it may be the reality is, we are through, the draw has been made, we are still looking for a defender and at the same time, trying to find two that could actually play for us on Sunday. Welcome to what is just another busy period in Rome.

First thing’s first, let me start with last night. In our minds we were coasting and up until half time we were. Coming out for the second half, the team were almost certain the game was in the bag; then Elfsborg scored and Kolarov got sent off for a foul that was needless, rash and yet probably unworthy of seeing red. However, considering the circumstances, it was beyond foolish and another good lesson for the chap. No doubt there were quite a few bums jangling on seats at that point but all in all, the Swedes were not good enough and if they raised their level to a point we deemed dangerous, I am sure we would have found a few extra gears. How many times in the past have we put in a solid display against a big gun and still emerged from the game with a significant deficit? Too many times and so it makes a refreshing change to see us play for a result rather than strive for a level of performance or provide good entertainment value. Result and performance do go hand-in-hand but only up to a point. That is the balance we are looking to find.

It’s now time to put the Elfsborg debacle behind us and look to Chievo and the Europa League group stages. Today, the group stages were drawn and we have been thrown in with Villarreal, Levski Sofia and Red Bull Salzburg. On paper, it looks pretty nasty but in reality, I think we got off quite lucky. The Spaniards are clearly a quality side having reached the Champions League quarters last year and not too many fans will fancy Giuseppe Rossi or Nilmar charging at our defence but they haven’t strengthened too much and we will see how they react to the Olimpico. Both Levski and Red Bull are national champions but the former lost to Debrecen during the week which casts doubts over their ability while I’ve watched Salzburg against Bohemians in Champions League qualifying and as long as we remain disciplined and focused, that’s six points right there. I expect us to qualify and would be saddened if we fail.

As for the Chievo tie, both Cribari and Siviglia picked up knocks yesterday and they are very doubtful as is Diakite’ and Lichtsteiner. Even Brocchi and Dabo are fitness concerns and we already know that Matuzalem, Baronio and Cruz are still gaining in fitness having missed much of the pre-season. This has led to a state of emergency being called and now rumours of Stendardo and Firmani re-entering the fray are looming. We all need to hope that our doctors manage to patch a few of these guys up or else we will have to rush those defender negotiations. It looks to me like it is a straight fight between the free Terlizzi and the possible loan of Canini. Either way, I don’t expect a deal to be completed until the final day; which is a disaster considering we could do with a centre-back right about now. Highlights of last night are below. Forza Lazio!