Petkovic careful ahead of Mura date

29 August 2012 21:23

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic said his side deserve favouritism for their Europa League play-off second leg with Mura 05.

But Petkovic was wary of complacency - noting the performance of Inter Milan who, after winning 3-0 away to Hadjuk Split, were almost eliminated after losing the second leg at home 2-0.

"We have to take tomorrow's game seriously. We have not yet won this tie. Hajduk Split almost eliminated Inter after losing the first leg," Petkovic told Corriere dello Sport.

In order to ensure qualification, the 49-year-old has called on his side to remain calm and focused on winning Thursday's return leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

"We are favourites, but we have to prove it on the field," he said.

"We must enter with the right spirit, focusing on the task at hand without looking back at the previous result. We have to win but convince too."

Petkovic was confident Lazio have enough depth to successfully compete in the Europa League, the Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

"Is the Europa League a burden? No. the players are ready for all three commitments," he said.

While cautioning against complacency, the former Sion boss is considering resting star striker Miroslav Klose for the match.

"I will decide who to send onto the field in the morning. It may be possible to afford a player or two some rest, possibly Klose," he said.