Roma have already made history and Rudi Garcia expects a “spectacular” Torino test, but is perplexed by Juan Cuadrado’s ban.
Roma have already made history and Rudi Garcia expects a “spectacular” Torino test, but is perplexed by Juan Cuadrado’s ban.
The Giallorossi became the first side in history to win the opening 10 Serie A games and can make it 11 on Sunday evening with a visit to the Granata. Click here for a match preview.
“It will be spectacular,” assured the Coach in his Press conference. “I hope it will be a great game, because Torino score a lot of goals and concede quite a few too. The spectators like to see a team that plays good football.
“Let others celebrate our record, while we stay calm and relaxed in the Trigoria training ground. I just look at the statistics, as Juventus and Napoli are still getting the results to be worthy of top spot.”
Francesco Totti is still out, though Gervinho should return, but more importantly Leandro Castan is suspended to force a change of the centre-backs.
“It’s not a problem that Castan is banned and it might even do him good to rest,” insisted Garcia. “We have Nicolas Burdisso who will come in tomorrow. He is very experienced and a top level player, so he deserved this chance. He is always ready to step in.
“I think we recover much quicker after a victory, as mentality plays an important part. I am happy to play every three days if we keep winning, though it would be better for the players to train.
“We are ambitious and have faith in ourselves. I hope the best team wins tomorrow and that the team is Roma.
“We want the run to continue as long as possible. It is a psychological aid, as we don’t have to worry about looking too far ahead past the next game. After the Italian record we can match the European one, which can also be positive psychologically.”
Tottenham hold the record for 11 opening wins in 1960-61, the best start among the top five European Leagues.
Garcia was asked whether this experience at Roma would act as a launching pad for his future at a bigger club.
“This doesn’t exist in my head. In France they said I was at Le Mans for only a year before going to Lille, but I work for a club as if my entire career had always been there. I am at Roma, I am happy, we’ll see how the season goes. It will certainly be an interesting experience with a lot of passion.”
Coming from Ligue 1, Garcia admits to being perplexed by some of Italy’s rules. On Friday Fiorentina saw their appeal against a one-match ban for Cuadrado rejected, despite video evidence showing he was fouled and did not dive.
“When a referee decides something in the game, that’s football, but then there is a video commission for these things. Evidence can be used both against and in favour of a player.
“It’s not normal to me that Cuadrado cannot play the next game. The rules need to change if there’s the possibility of a commission that can help the right decision be made.”