AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia was pleased with his side’s win over Real Madrid in their opening International Champions Cup match, with the Giallorossi emerging victorious on penalties.
Garcia addressed the media following his side’s 7-6 win penalty shootout win, praising the organisation of his team and stressing his side’s motivation levels were up despite the lacklustre affair.
“Before the game I didn’t need to motivate my players,” he said.
“When you play against such big teams [like Real Madrid], players are already motivated.
“I liked the defensive organisations and the attitude. [Morgan] De Sanctis also made a couple of good saves, particularly the final one in the penalty shoot-out.”
After three years in charge of the club, the Frenchman said his players are ready to mount a serious challenge in the coming Serie A season with a look to improve all facets of their game.
“The players know each other very well, the mechanisms are already there,” he said.
“We were dangerous at set-pieces which is important, but we lack some speed and intensity.”
“I’ve said it before, but by the end of the market we will have new signings.”
Garcia also addressed the early substitution of Italian legend Francesco Totti saying he merely wanted to test all players in his squad, before praising the captain’s longevity in the game.
“He enjoys playing very much. The team allows him to express himself,” he said.
MAD -0 – 0 ROM 32′ – “Listen to the reception”. Applause for the captain Totti who is substituted for Doumbia #WWOS pic.twitter.com/dlwNvJZiaD
— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 18, 2015
Winger Gervinho was the man of the match despite playing only a half, and seemingly being on his way out of the club only a few weeks back.
“Roma are counting on him [Gervinho],” he said.
“He was our most dangerous striker in the first half. When he came back from international duty with Ivory Coast he was not fit and he paid that price, but he is still an important player for us,” he said.
Roma now have a two day break before tackling Manchester City on Tuesday night in the second ICC match.
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