“It’s my 100th game with Roma tomorrow so I expect you to give me a present, ok?”
Rudi Garcia was in a light-hearted mood this evening as spoke to the international media ahead of the Giallorossi’s Champions League Group E encounter against BATE tomorrow but he’s acutely aware of just how big a game it is.
The boss stressed the importance of building on a good opening draw against champions Barcelona, regardless of any injury problems Roma might have at the moment, and pointed out that in ‘mini-leagues’ like this one win or defeat can make all the difference to whether you go through or not.
How important is tomorrow’s game in terms of qualifying for the next round?
“After the Barcelona match I said this match and the double ‘play-off’ with Leverkusen would be crucial and I haven’t changed my mind. We know how it works in these mini-leagues in Europe: Every time you win you take a step towards qualification and every time you lose your chances diminish. Tomorrow is a different game. We’re playing away from home against a team that’s already played two thirds of their league season so we’ll have to be on our toes no matter what side they put out tomorrow.”
What is it about BATE that worries you particularly?
“They’re used to playing in the Champions League and they’ve almost got the title wrapped up in their domestic league so they can focus on this competition. I don’t know the stadium we’ll be playing at tomorrow because when I came here with Lille we played in Minsk. It looks like a top-quality arena and virtually all the fans will be cheering them on. That will make little difference to us and the fact we’re missing several players doesn’t change the ambition we have to qualify from the group. You have to give 100% in every match – like we did against Barcelona – if you want to come away with a positive result.”
Given all the absentees, might we see a three-man front line of Salah, Gervinho and Iturbe? Or might you move Florenzi up into attack?
“Florenzi is an attacking player and he could play further up the field. We’re not short on full-backs for tomorrow, with Maicon and Torosidis. There are a number of solutions we could go with.”
Are you enjoying juggling two competitions with Roma?
“All I can say is that I’m happy with our win against Carpi at the weekend. It’s important to keep picking up the three points so we can move closer to the summit. But we’re here to talk about the Champions League today. We battled hard all of last year to be able to play in this competition and tomorrow is our second game of the season. Continuity is important in these European mini-leagues so we’ll be looking to keep getting results.”
Tomorrow will be your 100th game in the dugout with Roma. Did you expect to have come this far?
“I didn’t know it was my 100th because I’m more focused on the 38 league games. I’m not one to reflect on the past; I live in the here and now. I couldn’t even tell you what games we have to play after the international break – all that matters is tomorrow’s game. But if you want my assessment, I haven’t changed my mind: I’m still just as enthusiastic as I was when I joined and I’m proud to be at the helm of this club. The squad has changed over the years, but the aim is always to produce good football that can help you win games. [Turning to Nainggolan] So Radja, I expect to get a present for my 100th game tomorrow now!”
Are you worried about all your injury problems?
“We have a smaller squad than normal tomorrow but that has only served to bring the team even closer together. When you have players out everyone rallies round and those who do play are even more motivated to get the three points.”
Why didn’t you train in Belarus today?
“Our hotel is in Minsk and Borisov is an hour’s bus drive away so I preferred to avoid having to make the journey. We trained in Trigoria this morning as we normally do before league games.”
How are Szczesny and Iago Falque?
“Szczesny is ok now. He’s recovered and has been training with us normally for a few days. I spared Iago Falque today but he’s traveled with us and we’ll assess him tomorrow.”
Source: asroma.it