Reja proud of Lazio character

14 May 2012 15:40

Edy Reja says Lazio showed their true colours by securing fourth in the Serie A with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Inter on Sunday.

Reja praised his squad for their efforts this season, but admitted that their failure to beat some of the league's smaller sides ultimately cost them a Champions League place.

"We end the season regretting the three games against Lecce, Siena and Novara. We could have had five more points now and we would have ended the season in the Champions League places," Reja said.

"I'm really sorry for this, but that's how it ended. Aside from this, we need to compliment our players, the ones who've recently joined the group and the injured players who would have helped us but couldn't."

Reja was proud of his side's efforts against Inter after they went behind to Diego Milito penalty on the stroke of half time.

"The whole team put in a good performance, so we need to compliment the guys because after going a goal down to Inter after a dubious penalty we managed to finish the game with a 3-1 victory," he said.

"That was only thanks to our strong determination. In the last part of the game Inter were tired and we dominated them.

"Lazio have a great soul and desire to get to the victory. I haven't coached many teams like this one from the point of view of their character.

"I really have to compliment the guys for what they've done during the whole season and especially in this last game of the season."