Rudi Garcia warns his Roma side to be wary of CSKA Moscow, but urges the team to also enjoy the return to the Champions League.
Wednesday evening’s match at the Olimpico will see the Giallorossi return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
Looking ahead to the test, Coach Garcia believes the Russian side cannot be underestimated.
Rudi Garcia warns his Roma side to be wary of CSKA Moscow, but urges the team to also enjoy the return to the Champions League.
Wednesday evening’s match at the Olimpico will see the Giallorossi return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
Looking ahead to the test, Coach Garcia believes the Russian side cannot be underestimated.
“In the Champions League there are no weak teams, and CSKA have much more European experience than we do,” the Frenchman has told reporters today.
“They are fast and strong in attack, we will have to hope we can use home advantage to try to impose ourselves.
“Is it harder to play against a side which is tight defensively? CSKA are very good on the counter-attack, but against Fiorentina we showed that we can be patient, and take advantages of any spaces the opposition leave.
“Who will play? I’m not going to reveal what the team will be, but we approach every game in the same way, whether it’s Empoli or CSKA. We’ll try to exploit their weaknesses, and limit their strengths.
“I’ve faced CSKA before, but this time it’s different, as I’m with Roma. I am calm, because I believe in the quality of my team.
“We feel no pressure in the Champions League. Most people think we won’t make it to the second round, but if we start well tomorrow then we have a chance.”
Garcia dismissed suggestions the pressure was on his team, after being drawn with the Russian side as well as Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
“We fought so hard to make it into the Champions League, and now we have to enjoy it. We have a tough group, but I have confidence in my team.
“I expect us to play with confidence and joy, it would be a shame if we played with pressure. The players and the fans should enjoy this game together.”
Garcia also spoke about the rest of Roma's Group E fixtures, which include a trip to Moscow on November 25, and concludes with a home game against Manchester City on December 10.
“For the return match [with CSKA], we’ll be going to Russia in the winter, and we’ll have to see what the weather is like.
“It’s an advantage for us that we start and finish the group with home games, in front of our fans. They can help the team, and intimidate the opposition. I want the whole stadium to follow the example of the Curva Sud.”