Lazio deserved more against 'ruthless' Napoli - Petkovic

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Dec 3, 2013 12:29:00 AM

Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain helped the Partenopei to a 4-2 win at Stadio Olimpico on Monday and prompted supporter protests, but the Biancocelesti coach defended his side

Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic insists his side deserved more against Napoli but praised the visitors for their "ruthless" display.

Gonzalo Higuain scored twice as Rafa Benitez's side ran out 4-2 winners in a thrilling encounter at Stadio Olimpico, with Lazio ultras staging a protest after the final whistle with their side having won just one game in nine in Serie A.

"We are lacking results at the moment, but we deserved more tonight," Petkovic told Sky Sport Italia.

"We made four mistakes at the back and Napoli took advantage of all of them with their ruthlessness. I tip my hat to them, because they didn't let us get away with anything.

"The fan protest? I don't think anything has become broken between the team and the supporters. We deserved more tonight and have to be more efficient in proving that on the pitch.

"Our play was on a par with Napoli, but that was not enough. The confrontation with the fans is necessary, whether positive or negative, because we must all be moving in the same direction."

Petkovic has been heavily linked with a departure from Stadio Olimpico having been widely tipped as a replacement for Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm of the Switzerland national side, but the 50-year-old was once more eager to rebuff the rumours.

"I don't want to keep repeating the same answers and this is not the right place to respond. These rumours are part of the game and you have to accept them," he added.