Rudi Garcia is looking forward to Roma facing Zdenek Zeman’s Cagliari” data-scaytid=”3″>Cagliari and hopes for “a draw” in Milan–Juventus.
Rudi Garcia is looking forward to Roma facing Zdenek Zeman’s Cagliari and hopes for “a draw” in Milan-Juventus.
The Giallorossi host Cagliari on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We closed the book on the Champions League and from Thursday morning opened the Serie A one again,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Confidence is sky high after winning both opening Serie A rounds and crushing CSKA Moscow 5-1.
“Making the switch from one competition to the other must be a quality of this team. I do not make calculations for squad rotation, as I know full well destiny changes any plans. I always try to win the match regardless of the situation.”
The Champions League did prompt injuries for Juan Manuel Iturbe and Davide Astori, joining Leandro Castan, Kevin Strootman, Federico Balzaretti and Marco Borriello on the treatment table.
Garcia did confirm that Newcastle United-owned Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa will start tomorrow.
“I don’t want to say too much on our defence, as I don’t want to give extra information to our opponents. I am very happy to have Mapou in the squad, as he won Ligue 1 with Montpellier as captain, but also the most important defensive figure.
“Tomorrow he will play with Manolas in defence. I want him to enjoy his football, relax and play the way he can, just as he did against CSKA. Unfortunately, injuries have shown us we were right to need four centre-backs of a top level.”
Sunday’s opponents are Cagliari and their ex-Roma Coach Zeman, whose 4-3-3 all-attack approach has fans and detractors.
“As always, I studied our opponents and my assistants showed the qualities and weaknesses. They are above all strong in attack, but I am more concentrated on my own team.
“Confidence in a side is fundamental, just like respect for opponents. We must strike where we get the chance and be solid.”
Roma fans will be watching tonight’s Milan-Juventus battle, as those sides are joint Serie A leaders alongside the Giallorossi.
“When two direct rivals meet, perhaps a draw is the best result. We have to make the most of this situation and get three points.
“Can the Milanese clubs challenge for the Scudetto? Yes, and don’t forget Napoli or Fiorentina too. The great thing about Serie A is that there are many strong teams, which is great for anyone who is passionate about football.
“As for us, we have to take it one game at a time, knowing this is going to be a marathon.”