Rudi Garcia said Roma “must be ready to die on the pitch” against Udinese and won’t “treat them like children.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I have no doubts that the team will focus only on Udinese and not think about the derby with Lazio,” assured the Coach in his Press conference.
Rudi Garcia said Roma “must be ready to die on the pitch” against Udinese and won’t “treat them like children.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I have no doubts that the team will focus only on Udinese and not think about the derby with Lazio,” assured the Coach in his Press conference.
The Giallorossi fell 2-1 at Milan last week, but Lazio also lost and Napoli were held 2-2 by Parma, so the race for a Champions League spot is largely unchanged.
“Every time we have done badly, there has always been a reaction. We must be ready to die on the pitch. There are three games to go and destiny is in our hands – or rather, our feet.
“We know that winning the next two matches, the matter is closed. We know that if we win tomorrow, we are close to the finish line.”
Roma’s players were put into a training camp this week, but spent every other night at home, an attitude some fans thought was too easy-going.
“The retreat is not part of my culture. This is not a normal retreat, it is an intelligent retreat that will help the team to stay united. In my view, the retreat only adds more pressure to the squad.
“I have a team of men and I don’t think there’s any need to treat them like children, even if sometimes I have to be the ‘mean’ Dad.
“The fans here want to win titles and they are right. The club, players and I have the same ambitions. Now we’ll focus on qualifying for the Champions League, then we’ll see.
“Our campaign has been iffy since January, whereas up until December it had been extraordinary. Juventus? They are above everyone. We can give our best to reduce the gap, but know they are excellent both on the field and as a club.”
Garcia had a message for Steven Gerrard on his final Liverpool game at Anfield.
“Francesco Totti is an emblematic captain for Roma, just as Gerrard is for Liverpool. I want to compliment him too, though we are fortunate enough to still have our captain with us.”