Rudi Garcia said “fortune chose its team” in Manchester City, but Roma paid for Champions League inexperience.
“This was a Final, we knew even without some players that City were strong and they proved it,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset after a 2-0 home defeat.
Samir Nasri’s strike went in off the post, whereas a Kostas Manolas header bounced back away from the woodwork.
Rudi Garcia said “fortune chose its team” in Manchester City, but Roma paid for Champions League inexperience.
“This was a Final, we knew even without some players that City were strong and they proved it,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset after a 2-0 home defeat.
Samir Nasri’s strike went in off the post, whereas a Kostas Manolas header bounced back away from the woodwork.
“It was a very balanced game and you need luck too, so tonight fortune chose its team with those two uprights. I do think we could’ve scored and done something more in this game.”
Garcia was asked whether the real regret in this Champions League campaign was the last-gasp draw away to CSKA Moscow.
“No, that wouldn’t change anything. Playing for a 0-0 tonight would’ve been suicidal, as playing to win is the only thing to do.
“Manchester City have more experience and maturity at this level, whereas we are learning and need to improve some elements. We also need some even stronger players if we are to reach teams of that level.
“We should’ve made more of our opening half-hour, when we had City on the ropes. Similarly, you can’t allow a player like Nasri to shoot undisturbed from distance.
“They are not the Premier League holders for nothing. I am really disappointed for the lads, as it was possible to do better and qualify, but it shows us the steps we still need to climb in order to be among Europe’s top clubs.”
The Giallorossi now drop down to the Europa League and Garcia hinted he’ll be rotating the squad for that competition.
“If we want to play the Champions League again, then we need a great Serie A campaign and be ready for Sunday. That’s what I expect from my players, I’ll try to get this disappointment out of their heads.
“We have the Europa League now, which is an international tournament, but the League remains our main objective.”