Rudi Garcia supports Francesco Totti at the World Cup and prepares Roma to face Chievo tomorrow.
It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona on Saturday at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview.
Rudi Garcia supports Francesco Totti at the World Cup and prepares Roma to face Chievo tomorrow.
It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona on Saturday at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview.
The momentum is growing behind a campaign to get Totti into the Italy squad at the World Cup in Brazil, as today Cesare Prandelli admitted it was an issue of fitness levels.
“If he goes to Brazil then it’d be wonderful for him and for Roma. Right now all that matters is that he plays well with us, then the choice is up to Prandelli,” said Garcia.
“We have all seen that Totti is in good shape both physically and psychologically. He still enjoys playing football. It’s nothing new to say he can’t play five games in 15 days. First of all, we have to focus on getting the points against Chievo.
“We could use Alessandro Florenzi in midfield, but my decision was to play him further forward to maintain his freshness. We are still without Daniele De Rossi and need to find solutions.
“Alessio Romagnoli is a centre-back, but he’s very versatile and mature for his age. He stepped into the squad very well in a position he’s still learning from. His profile as a full-back isn’t so much to attack as to be good in the air.
“Should we use Totti and Mattia Destro together? It worked last time out and it depends on the balance of the side. The problem is that I have no other centre-forwards and if they are both tired then it becomes a problem.”
Garcia was asked about the Roma project in future, as plans for a new stadium will be unveiled next week and the transfer campaign will be stepped up with Champions League qualification.
“Will I still be in charge when the new stadium opens? I hope so, but it doesn’t depend on me. My suitcase is always ready, but I am very happy at Roma. After all, I was the first Coach at a new stadium in Lille.
“As for the transfer market, this is not the time. There are another 12 games to play and we must remain concentrated. I don’t see how it is useful to talk about it now.”
This was a special Press conference, as it was conducted with the aid of a sign language interpreter.