Rudi Garcia is glad to have Francesco Totti back as Roma host Udinese” data-scaytid=”2″>Udinese, but insists “our objective hasn’t changed.”
It kicks off on Monday at 20.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Rudi Garcia is glad to have Francesco Totti back as Roma host Udinese, but insists “our objective hasn’t changed.”
It kicks off on Monday at 20.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Giallorossi are under pressure after their defeat to Napoli last week, which put second place and automatic Champions League qualification back in doubt.
“Our objective is always to win every game, so that hasn’t changed now. We really want to get the victory,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“At least this time we’ll be playing in a ‘normal’ Stadio Olimpico without sections closed, so that is good news. I also now have more attacking options with Totti’s return, so we needed some good news after a series of bad news moments.”
Kevin Strootman is out for the rest of the season and will also miss the World Cup after damaging knee ligaments in the 1-0 loss to Napoli.
“In order to have a great season, you need to avoid too many injuries. Very few of our injuries were muscular, which means the work we did in fitness training was good, but you can’t do anything to protect against traumatic injuries during games.
“We must look forward with a positive attitude and hunger. I have already said that there are worrying victories and defeats that give you confidence. We played well against Napoli and must continue along that path, because we will win if we play like that.
“Roma only lost two games in Serie A. I ask you, is it shameful to lose at the Juventus Stadium and the San Paolo?
“I am happy with Roma’s season, because nobody can win all 38 games. It is too early to give a verdict or project for next year, as our concentration must be aimed solely at the Udinese match.
“We won’t play with Totti the way we do with Mattia Destro or as we did with Marco Borriello. The team has to adapt. He’s not like Gervinho either, someone who needs the ball played to feet into space.
“I have a choice to make on the left, as Alessio Romagnoli did very well, but now Dodo and Michel Bastos are also available.
“We want to do well for Kevin, as he deserves to play in the Champions League next season.”
Garcia was asked whether he was in talks to renew his contract with Roma, but was cagey.
“This is not the time to be talking about this, we’ll see at the end of the season. I don’t want anyone to have their heads outside the pitch.”