Beleaguard Lazio boss Stefano Pioli says he will re-evaluate his position as Aquile head coach at the end of the season.
The 50-year-old has bore the brunt of criticism this term as his Lazio side languish in eighth place after their historic Champions League qualifying campaign last time out.
Time to assess at the end of the season
Speaking ahead of the Biancocelesti's clash with Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening, Pioli says his future has not crept into his mind.
"I said we’ll see where we are at the end of the season, that’s the right thing, there’s no need to make evaluations while the season is ongoing," he told reporters.
The former Bologna boss conceded that, although his side have steadied themselves from their dismal run of form during the winter, halted with a shock 2-1 away win over then league leaders Inter, they are "behind in terms of [their] plan and [his] expectations."
Pioli also admitted his side are underachieving but, as evidenced in their stalemate with Genoa last weekend, are only missing goals.
"Until the maths forces us to reevaluate, we want to qualify for Europe," he said, elaborating that the end of the season will allow the club to assess strengths and weaknesses in the team.
Not Felipe Anderson's fault
Pioli also backed underfire winger Felipe Anderson, whose wretched form continued at the weekend.
"If he’s not expressing himself at the same level as last season then it’s his fault, but perhaps also the others," said Pioli when quizzed about whether Anderson's dip in performance levels can be attributed, at least partially, to Lazio's abject domestic form.
The boss believes that the "conditions" during last term's historic campaign allowed the Brazilian to flourish and says that it's "wrong to make comparisons" between his displays last season and this.
Meanwhile, Pioli confirmed that Antonio Candreva will return to the fray after missing his side's trip to the Marassi.
Lucas Biglia will also return after missing a month of action and the manager, fortunately, confirmed that there is "no risk" in playing the Argentine.