Rudi Garcia praised teens Daniele Verde and Leandro Paredes, insisting Roma “never lost humility” at Cagliari.
This 2-1 win at the Stadio Sant’Elia ended a run of four consecutive stalemates and kept the gap from leaders Juventus at seven points.
“The first half we played very well indeed and had the game in hand, but I also liked the second half with organisation and the ability to score while coming under pressure,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.
Rudi Garcia praised teens Daniele Verde and Leandro Paredes, insisting Roma “never lost humility” at Cagliari.
This 2-1 win at the Stadio Sant’Elia ended a run of four consecutive stalemates and kept the gap from leaders Juventus at seven points.
“The first half we played very well indeed and had the game in hand, but I also liked the second half with organisation and the ability to score while coming under pressure,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.
“Our young players were essential today, as Verde provided two assists and Paredes got the goal.
“Verde has been in the squad for a while now and I believe in him. Other than his pace and technique, we saw today he works very hard for the team and is hungry for success. With this attitude, I think he will go far.
“Verde was the only striker at our disposal who could attack the space and take men on. That’s how he played and he needs to continue like that.
“He was a little scared at the beginning, but his debut has passed now and he can only gain in confidence.”
Roma were missing 12 players for today’s game in Sardinia, while Francesco Totti passed a late fitness test.
“We never lost our humility. Even when I say things that seem arrogant, they are for a reason. The team played as a unit, which is exactly what I expected of them and proved even with so many problems we have a lot of quality.
“Soon I will have more choices and the squad will be aware it has versatility on the field and on the bench.
“My only regret is that we conceded in stoppages, something we really ought to avoid. It was three defenders against two forwards and we have to do better in that situation.
“We know that there are many players missing or not 100 per cent fit, but we proved that we still have self-confidence.”
Garcia revealed he had his own ‘fanboy’ moment meeting Cagliari Coach Gianfranco Zola.
“I got to meet Zola, a player of such a great level. We had a chat beforehand and it is pleasing to see him on a Serie A bench.”