Lazio reject Reja resignation

Lazio coach Edy Reja has had his resignation rejected by the struggling club today, ahead of their UEFA Europa League second round second leg clash with Atletico Madrid. Reja and the team have come in for heavy criticism following Sunday's 5-1 defeat at Palermo, their sixth in 11 matches since the turn of the year. But following press speculation, Lazio confirmed they had rejected Reja's resignation. "At 2pm Edy Reja offered his resignation but the club rejected it so nothing has changed," said Lazio press officer Stefano di Martino. "On the team's return to Rome everyone will make their evaluation." It's not the first time this season Reja had resigned but been convinced to stay on having taken similar action at the beginning of the season. Reja left with the team on Wednesday from Rome's Fiumicino airport to head to Spain where Lazio are looking to turn around a 3-1 first leg deficit. "That's enough, leave me alone," said Reja when questioned by journalists at the airport. Later at the pre-match press conference in Madrid he gave contradictory suggestions as to what his future holds. "There was a difference of opinion, you all know my future," said Reja, suggesting he would leave, before changing tack. "I'm thinking about tomorrow's game, we'll try to honour the commitment and play well. Then we will talk." Lazio are fourth in Serie A and level on points with third-placed Udinese in the final UEFA Champions League qualification place.