GARCIA: "THERE’S NO OTHER OPTION, WE NEED TO WIN"
Roma boss Rudi Garcia has called for his side to ensure they take home all three points when Bayer Leverkusen come to the Stadio Olimpico for the crunch Champions League clash. Speaking at his pre-match news conference, the Frenchman stressed that although there is still everything to play for in Group E, only a win would do for the Giallorossi tomorrow if they are to stay on track for the knock-out stages.
What did you take from the topsy-turvy match in Germany?
“It confirmed what we’d learned from analyzing Bayer. They have some strengths in attack and some weaknesses in defense. It was a result that we could have expected, given that we too were scoring lots of goals, just like them. That said, we could have done better in defense, collectively speaking. There’s no other option tomorrow, we need to win. That will be our mindset – to do everything to secure the three points.”
Roma are just off the top of Serie A TIM but last in your Champions League group. How do you explain that?
“The Champions League is like a mini season, with each match more important than the last. As I said, we need to win tomorrow to pick up points and take a step towards qualification for the round of 16. That’s the situation. Right now no team has qualified and no team is out. We need a win and we intend to get one tomorrow.”
How are Daniele De Rossi and Seydou Keita coming along?
“It’s all very clear: Keita isn’t ready yet, but De Rossi will play. Right now I’m not focusing on any match other than tomorrow’s. I’m 100% concentrated on that and I’m not thinking about what comes after it.”
(Photo LaPresse)
