GARCIA: "WE GOT OUR APPROACH SPOT ON"
Rudi Garcia expressed his satisfaction with Roma's approach and strong start to the game after watching his side beat Udinese 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening.
How important is this fifth straight league win for you?
“I'm happy tonight and especially with our approach to the game. It proved to be key. We decided to go out there and raise the tempo right from the off by harrying them high up the pitch and we caused problems for our opponents by keeping things simple and taking the first chances that came our way. Maicon was magnificent tonight and it's great to be able to rely on top players like him. We were missing other star players like Keita, De Rossi, Salah and Totti so I'm pleased we managed to win a game where we had more to lose than gain.”
The two players who decided the match were Maicon and Pjanic. Who were you most surprised by?
“What pleased me most of all was the team's attitude. In Florence we spent 80 minutes defending whereas today we want on the attack from the off. I like the fact that my players are capable of reading the game and the situation. Then I like the unity we show. When we score all the guys celebrate together, as a team.”
What can you tell us about Gervinho? He was booed at the start of the season and now he's getting applause.
“I always defend my players – a coach should do that. If there's something that needs to be said to a player, I'll do it in the dressing room or in my office. Gervinho lost his enthusiasm after the Africa Cup of Nations but he's been working really hard since the start of the season. He came back from his holidays early and he's finding his old spark. Iturbe is playing really well too. It's a shame he didn't score with that superb shot he had.”
It was another game without a goal for Dzeko. How can you get the best out of him?
"The goals will come for Edin – I'm not at all worried about that. He needed time to find his rhythm again after a spell on the sidelines through injury and that's why I left him on for the full 90 minutes tonight. It will help him get his energy back and be first to the ball – even just a centimeter ahead – and stick it away. Dzeko is an all-round player and he showed that today. He does more than just score; he helps his team-mates to play as well with his first-time lay-offs. Playing like he is, he'll soon be back among the goals. He just needs to keep calm."
(Photo LaPresse)
