Edoardo Reja stands down as Lazio boss

Edoardo Reja has decided to end his reign as Lazio head coach, despite the president Claudio Lotito asking him to stay on for next season.

Reja said that he cannot look beyond the problems that the club had last season with the fans, and the failure to qualify for Europe was another strong reason.

"I think a change is the best option for the club," Reja said in a statement. "My time on the Lazio bench has come to an end, given we experienced a difficult situation [in recent months].

"The president restated his trust in me, but I said to him that it was over for me. I hope my resignation will help the club regain their spirit."

Reja was in charge of Lazio for his second spell for just six months, having previously helmed the club between 2010 and 2012.