Rudi Garcia commended his players for their considerably improved all-round performance – and defensive organization in particular – after watching them beat Real Madrid in a penalty shootout today.
Speaking to journalists at Melbourne Cricket Ground following the Giallorossi’s International Champions Cup Australia opener against Los Blancos, Garcia said he was happy with how his side played as a unit and singled out De Sanctis and a number of other players for praise.
Roma played with no fear against Real Madrid.
“You don’t need to motivate your players before a game like this. The difference between the friendly in Pinzolo and tonight’s match was clear. When Real Madrid are the opposition every player gives 100%. I was very pleased with the way we handled ourselves defensively this evening. It was a professional display. Morgan came up with a couple of key saves, one in regular time and another in the shootout. It’s always good to win, even if it is on the lottery of penalties.”
Your team played some lovely two-touch football out there but are Roma perhaps a team that struggles to find a route to goal?
“The players know each other well. Apart from Iago Falque, they’re the same guys as last year so they know exactly how to play as a team. We set ourselves up well for our attacking set pieces but we’re lacking a bit of speed and coordination in the final third because we’re still at the start of pre-season. I’m delighted with Iago. He’s slotted straight into the team and settled really well. Signings? We’re getting there slowly. By the end of the summer we’ll have a different squad to the one we had last season and the one we have now.”
Totti is a great footballer but how long can he go on playing for?
“He gets so much enjoyment out of playing and I think the team’s tactics will help him to continue performing at his best. The greatest compliment we received was from Pep Guardiola, who pointed out Francesco’s phenomenal ability and said our game is ideal for getting the best out of him.”
Gervinho was named man of the match today. Are you still counting on him?
“He could have returned later after his international commitments but he wanted to come back straight away so that he could go on our training camp. He was our most dangerous outlet up front today. He’s a top-quality striker and an important player for us.”
You went with Maicon and Cole in the full-back berths for this game. Are they still part of your plans for next season?
“They’ve two players who have had incredibly successful careers. Maicon was injured for much of last season but now he’s training loads and really well. We were really happy with the job Ashley did in his natural position tonight – it reminds me of the fantastic Cole we saw in the game against Man City last year. He has every chance of getting back to his level of old and that would be excellent news for Roma.”
asroma.it
