Rudi Garcia blasted Lazio” data-scaytid=”1″>Lazio Coach Edy Reja for joking about Roma injuries. “In the locker room does he say to break our legs?”
The tie kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Rudi Garcia blasted Lazio Coach Edy Reja for joking about Roma injuries. “In the locker room does he say to break our legs?”
The tie kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
It’s reported Lazio will shelve their 3-4-2-1 system to mirror the Giallorossi’s 4-3-3.
“It’s important to remember nothing really changes for us, as we are still playing against a team with five at the back,” insisted Garcia in his Press conference.
“We must find the solutions to trouble our opponents, watch out for their strengths and talented players, but that’s the same as every game.”
Roma are undoubtedly the favourites this time round, having won earlier this season and being in second place.
“It’s good pressure. The great thing about football is we don’t know what will happen. We want to win, we’re on a positive streak, the team is hunger to keep going forward and that is all that matters.
“The table says we are in second place, so it is normal we are expected to win. It will be a difficult test, but we have the quality and must put that on to the pitch. I have faith this team can do it all: playing against any opposition tactic.
“This is different to earlier this season, as back then the team was so fired up. I realised the derby was important and for me the chance to go forward in a positive manner. Now we’ve already played 22 games, the approach is completely different on a psychological level, but we must remain humble.
“The derby is felt more keenly by the fans than the players. Well, we do have three Romanisti players in Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi. Perhaps it means a bit more to them, but we must be above these considerations. It’s not just a derby, but a Serie A game.”
Garcia was asked whether he felt Roma were “superior” to Lazio.
“That’s what the table says and it always reflects the season. What counts is qualifying for the Champions League and we mustn’t forget that. I see this game as just another opportunity to get three points and also a sign to the others that it is difficult to face Roma.”
The Giallorossi Coach also had criticism for Reja, who this week joked he’d like to see some Roma players injured during their Coppa Italia tie with Napoli.
“We are also educators, not just Coaches. If a Coach says these things publicly, then what can he say in the locker room? That he wants to break our legs or kill someone?
“I want the referee to be wary of tackles, as I don’t want my players to be injured. I also ask the fans to support their own team and nothing more. We are playing for the victory and what our opponent says is his responsibility.”
Roma will play their next two home games against Sampdoria and Inter with the Curve behind closed doors after repeated anti-Neapolitan insults.
“I only see the sporting aspect and in that sense it is an enormous loss for us. I prefer for the club to respond to these matters.”