Miralem Pjanic has reflected on Rudi Garcia’s impact at Roma and asserted the target in the Champions League for next term.
The Giallorossi have begun preseason preparations for a second season with their Coach today and, whilst not one of the players reporting in today, Pjanic has reflected on the Frenchman’s impact in the capital.
Miralem Pjanic has reflected on Rudi Garcia’s impact at Roma and asserted the target in the Champions League for next term.
The Giallorossi have begun preseason preparations for a second season with their Coach today and, whilst not one of the players reporting in today, Pjanic has reflected on the Frenchman’s impact in the capital.
“I have to say that the Coach has helped a lot – the group is united more than before and are much more cohesive,” Pjanic has told Calcio2000 in an interview released today.
“Garcia worked a lot on confidence and made us all feel important as players.
“Juve had a record season, but we kept pace and I am convinced that this team can prove even more of a hassle for the future.
“The biggest surprise with Garcia? He brought forward his ideas clearly and we followed him. He made us feel like an important group, not as individual players.
“The first wins, then, have been fundamental in gaining confidence.
“I’m fundamental to his team? Let’s say that Garcia’s game gives great importance to the midfield and I play in midfield, we can also say that!”
Pjanic was asked what the difference was between Roma in second and champions Juventus.
“They’ve done some amazing things and I think the difference was the experience, the fact that they have been together for three years, the Coach was familiar with his players, whilst ours was an all-new design, but with our mentality I think we will go far.”
Next year the team will be back in the Champions League.
“It will be tough, but we are not going into the Champions League to not make it out of the first stage.
“With the players that we have, to overcome the group stage is a must.”
Pjanic was asked of growing up idolising Zinedine Zidane.
“Yes, it is true, because he was a great player, I appreciated his technique, his elegance on and off the pitch.
“A player that I appreciate now? Anyone who loves football cannot not love Xavi, who is its essence. He is beautiful to watch, but he plays simply, for me his football is simplicity.”