Fabio Capello is impressed Rudi Garcia broke his Serie A record. “I really didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy it was Roma.”
Fabio Capello is impressed Rudi Garcia broke his Serie A record. “I really didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy it was Roma.”
The current manager of Russia had won the opening nine rounds with Juventus in 2005-06, the campaign where the Scudetto was revoked in Calciopoli, but the Giallorossi made it 10 in a row.
“I’m very happy it was Roma who ended my record,” Capello told Il Messaggero newspaper.
“I am still tied to the city and those colours, as I won there as a player and a Coach. I have many friends in Rome and often return.
“I’ll be honest, I really didn’t expect Roma to be this good. In fact, I was convinced the squad was stronger last year and the year before that.
“If we go back to pre-season, the side did not seem to be complete. Daniel Osvaldo, Erik Lamela and Marquinhos all left, yet the team is now balanced and efficient. It’s incredible.”
It is also a surprise considering this is Garcia’s debut campaign in Italy, though he won the Ligue 1 title with Lille.
“I had seen him at Lille, but I am only now discovering how good he is. You can see from the way he sets Roma out on the field. He is doing well and I know how hard it is to get results at Roma. He settled in very quickly and is in sync with everyone.
“You can tell the players are following him with unity on the field and off. The real surprise for me is that Roma transmit enthusiasm and joy when they play. This side drags the fans with it and captures those who otherwise wouldn’t pay much attention. It’s a great sensation.”
It has been an extraordinary start, but does Capello believe Roma can win the Scudetto this season?
“The table is clear for all to see, but Juventus and Napoli are great teams. Roma will certainly battle for the Scudetto and they could win it.
“Miralem Pjanic has been decisive so far, while I knew what Kevin Strootman could do. Mehdi Benatia and Adem Ljajic also impressed me.”
This campaign emerged just months after fans hurled abuse and objects at the team bus following a Coppa Italia Final defeat to Lazio.
“I will always remember the fierce protests at Trigoria after a defeat away to Atalanta, again in the Coppa Italia. We went on to win the title…”