Lazio assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello admits they're in a slump after defeat to Udinese on Monday night.
Lorenzo Lucca and Oier Zarraga struck for Udinese's 2-1 win.
Martusciello said: “In the second half we took to the pitch with the same desire as in the first half, with the difference that we went behind after the first mistake.
“It's clear that if they equalise straight away and then take the lead again it becomes tough, there's an aura of negativity that made us pay dearly for every situation.
“You have to put on your heart and accept the right criticism, if there's no enthusiasm it becomes really hard.
“If we take the goals conceded tonight as an example, we can't be satisfied. In the defensive phase, however, I notice that everyone wants to make their contribution. Sometimes we do well, sometimes not.
“Maybe we lack the spirit of initiative. It was necessary to make an extra run to guarantee ourselves solidity. On Udinese's first goal we were six or seven in the penalty area, which means that there was correct positioning but little focus.
“Compared to other teams, we mark the spaces in the penalty area well. We make mistakes being aggressive, it's clear."
Martusciello added, “We are playing every four days and against teams of a certain level. In Turin we won despite many difficulties, then there was a lot of chasing between unfavourable situations and midweek games.
“There was no chance to regain energy, we get to games with a shortness of breath, especially on a mental level. The boys run, and a lot, but if you come from three defeats you risk causing confusion."
