Eusebio Di Francesco concedes Roma “made life difficult for ourselves,” but focused on the positive after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Qarabag.
Kostas Manolas and Edin Dzeko struck early to make it seem like an easy victory in Azerbaijan, but the hosts threatened an equaliser at the 88th minute.
Eusebio Di Francesco concedes Roma “made life difficult for ourselves,” but focused on the positive after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Qarabag.
Kostas Manolas and Edin Dzeko struck early to make it seem like an easy victory in Azerbaijan, but the hosts threatened an equaliser at the 88th minute.
“You cannot have regret after a victory. We certainly could’ve done better after going 2-0 up, but let’s not forget Roma hadn’t won in the Champions League for a long time and it was difficult to play in this atmosphere,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“Every time Qarabag got the ball and ran forward, it felt like they were having the chance of a lifetime. We could’ve controlled the ball better and ran a big risk in the final minutes, but if Qarabag got into the Champions League, it means they’ve got quality and character.
“Unfortunately, we made life difficult for ourselves. It’s a growth process. Last season this Roma side went out in the preliminary round, now we are in the group stage.
“We could’ve won in a different way, but we did win and that’s the important thing right now. We go forward and learn from the positive and negative elements. Let’s not forget we have four points from two games.”
Gregoire Defrel limped off with a muscular problem, but Maxime Gonalons had a surprisingly poor performance in midfield and gave the ball away for the goal.
“As I didn’t have many wide alternatives, Diego Perotti injured, there was the risk of Defrel getting hurt too. I can assure you it was not an easy journey here and I hope these players can recover energy quickly to face Milan on Sunday.”