Rudi Garcia says he works at Roma “as if I’m going to finish my career here” and feels criticism is “unfair”.
Giallorossi President James Pallotta has stated that he wants the Coach to emulate the longevity of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“Could I be here for 25 years?” Garcia pondered in an interview with L’Équipe.
Rudi Garcia says he works at Roma “as if I’m going to finish my career here” and feels criticism is “unfair”.
Giallorossi President James Pallotta has stated that he wants the Coach to emulate the longevity of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“Could I be here for 25 years?” Garcia pondered in an interview with L’Équipe.
“I’ve thought about it, but it’s complicated in football. I work as if I’m going to finish my career here, 24 hours a day. I’m at Roma, I don’t see myself at another club.
“France CT? I spoke with [Didier] Deschamps when he went to Coach France, and it’s a different job. I need to see my players every day, I’m not ready.
“But this job eats you physically, so if one day I need a lighter pace then why not?”
Garcia has guided the Lupi to two consecutive second-placed finishes, but attracted criticism last season after predicting a Scudetto win, then falling 17 points short of Juventus.
“The 10 wins in a row and points record in the first year were fantastic things, but they came out of the ashes. Building something is easy, it’s more difficult to sustain it, and for me it has more value.
“Last year we had to adapt due to injuries and absences which affected us between January and March. This season our transfer campaign has allowed us to return to a more attacking style.
“Here [in Italy] they tend to emphasise goals conceded, my team is open so it’s not always easy for the defenders.
“However, it’s allowed us to have the best attack in the League, and to score 10 goals in the Champions League.
“The criticism last year? I found it a bit unfair, but I don’t care, I go on my way. As long as my directors and players are with me, I can work how I like.
“In any case, we qualified for the Champions League. I’m not asking for glory, because that’s not a trophy, but it remains an objective for Roma.
“It’s tough, Roma have won three Scudetti in 90 years, it’s frustrating. I think we’ll be stronger if we’re all pushing in the same direction.
“The reactions are often excessive, you’re quickly end up in crisis if the results aren’t good. It’s not good for us, but my goal is to make sure everyone is measured, objective and respectful.”
Finally, Garcia discussed the club’s transfer strategy, emphasising the collective nature of signings.
“I work closely with [sporting director Walter] Sabatini,” the former Lille Coach explained.
“An example is [Lucas] Digne. When Sabatini asked me, I told him I’d sign him in a heartbeat, but I don’t want him to be listed as my signing. The same with Gervinho.”