Lazio 1-1 Parma – Cuesta: ‘A shame; we could have won but we put in a great performance’

Carlos Cuesta made no attempt to hide his disappointment after Parma were denied all three points against Lazio by a deflected Noslin equaliser, but the Spanish coach was equally emphatic that his side had produced exactly the kind of performance needed to secure their Serie A survival.

Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

“What a shame, it is a real pity,” Cuesta told Sky Sport, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“We were strong not only defensively but offensively too. We produced a great performance, though we knew we would face a strong opponent with a lot of individual quality who could cause us problems.”

He was measured in his overall assessment, acknowledging that a point still moves the needle in the right direction.

“We could have won and taken three points, but the approach was right from the very first action, and that will be fundamental to picking up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season.”

Parma coach Cuesta: ‘We must focus on picking up points’

On the subject of survival, Cuesta refused to engage with any specific targets or calculations. “We do not make tables,” he said plainly. “We will be safe when the mathematics tell us so. We focus on the matches and on making points.”

The Parma head coach also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader principles underpinning his side’s identity.

“The fundamental concept of my football is compactness,” he said.

“And then there are many other aspects linked to the quality of the squad, which were at a high level tonight. We must maintain them and do even better, it is part of our journey. We need to take this restart after two bad defeats and become more aware of our strengths, and above all make sure our supporters can be proud of us.”