Rudi Garcia revealed Roma’s game plan worked perfectly against Lazio – including his pre-match comments. “It’s part of the show.”
The Giallorossi sat back in the first half, but emerged in the final half-hour for a 2-1 victory in the Derby della Capitale.
“We prepared the game this way, the players had the right attitude and those who came off the bench did well,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Rudi Garcia revealed Roma’s game plan worked perfectly against Lazio – including his pre-match comments. “It’s part of the show.”
The Giallorossi sat back in the first half, but emerged in the final half-hour for a 2-1 victory in the Derby della Capitale.
“We prepared the game this way, the players had the right attitude and those who came off the bench did well,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“I compliment my lads, as it was not an easy game, but we did what we said we’d do. We wanted to win until the end and we did.
“It’s a great objective we have achieved and now we can celebrate with our fans. It is so wonderful that we don’t even need the final game.”
Roma changed radically after the break, having largely defended with everyone behind the ball, but Garcia revealed it was all planned.
“After 15 minutes the plan was to sit back and not let Lazio through, sending Florenzi forward round their defenders.
“As Lazio had played 120 minutes on Wednesday, we predicted they would have a dip in fitness levels and that was the moment we had to change attitude and step up to hurt them.
“I am very pleased we scored a goal from a free kick, as we’ve been trying for weeks!”
Roma also improved after removing Francesco Totti, replacing him with Victor Ibarbo.
“I only substituted him due to the tactical approach. We know Francesco won’t stand on the shoulders of defenders and run on the counter. He always had someone pressing him and we wanted him to give his all, then as time wore on and Lazio tired, we’d introduce quicker players, moving Iturbe to the middle.
“That way we were able to make the most of the weakness in the central Lazio defence, which is not very quick.”
Lazio boss Stefano Pioli was offended by Garcia’s behaviour in the build-up, but he assured it was all mind games.
“Was he referring to my Press conference? That is part of the show, to destabilise our opponents. I want to compliment Pioli, as he is a great Coach. I don’t know if they will finish third or fourth, but Lazio had a truly great campaign and play good football.”
Asked whether Roma should be satisfied with their campaign, Garcia shrugged off the question.
“This is not the moment to look back over all the incidents of this campaign, as things need to be said and I will say them.
“Right now we just want to celebrate, as second place is ours, the Champions League spot is ours. Although Lazio are very good, we are the strongest team in the city and the strongest team in Italy behind Juventus, who in my view are right now beyond reach.”