Rudi Garcia wants the best of Roma against Inter tomorrow, but said Serie A’s late start is damaging to clubs.
The Giallorossi take on the Nerazzurri in Philadelphia on Saturday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT) for the International Champions Cup.
Rudi Garcia wants the best of Roma against Inter tomorrow, but said Serie A’s late start is damaging to clubs.
The Giallorossi take on the Nerazzurri in Philadelphia on Saturday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT) for the International Champions Cup.
“We played better against Manchester United than Real Madrid, but we were more efficient in attack and defence against the Spaniards,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Roma lost 3-2 to Man Utd despite a stunning Miralem Pjanic goal from inside his own half, while Francesco Totti’s lone strike sank Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
“We had less possession against Real Madrid, which was part of the plan, but when we had the space to play in we used it well. It was a more experienced squad than against United. Now, with a victory against Inter, we can target the Final in Miami.
“It looks as if Inter will play with three defenders and a playmaker, so I like taking on different tactics. It’ll be a pleasure to see Dodo again, as he’s a great lad and I hope he can play more regularly at Inter.”
“We have to adapt, as the Bayern Munich players have had the same issues. He’s training well with some of the staff in Rome.
“All the big European clubs are in America at the moment, as in today’s football you need to develop the brand.
“The only thing I have a problem with is that Serie A starts later than all the other European Leagues. That can cause problems with Champions League fitness, as in Italy we have one round and then a break for international duty, whereas French and Spanish clubs have two or three rounds under their belts before the Champions League begins.
“Italy should reflect on this. In my view things have to change if we want Italian teams to do better in Europe.”
Having shattered records and still finished behind Juventus last season, Roma are now the favourites for the Scudetto.
“After 12 months the atmosphere is totally different, as we went from catastrophe to euphoria,” confessed Garcia.
“I always favour somewhere between those two. I am ambitious and we will aim high, but Juve won three consecutive titles and just signed Patrice Evra and Alvaro Morata. Now they suddenly become outsiders?
“Davide Astori could be on the pitch soon. Lukasz Skorupski is growing fast, as he learned the language and that’s important for a goalkeeper to command his defence. He needs to be more aggressive, but this experience will help him in future.
“Mehdi Benatia will give 100 per cent. He will have the chance to speak to the media and clarify everything that needs to be said soon enough.”
The Coach was asked about racism in football and hinted at FIGC Presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio’s controversial comments.
“We must fight racism in every way. Obviously, the example has to be set by the directors too.”