Rudi Garcia is confident Roma “cancelled out the image we gave of ourselves in the other game” with Bayern Munich.
The Giallorossi fell 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, but it was a far more balanced encounter than the 7-1 home defeat.
Rudi Garcia is confident Roma “cancelled out the image we gave of ourselves in the other game” with Bayern Munich.
The Giallorossi fell 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, but it was a far more balanced encounter than the 7-1 home defeat.
“We know Bayern are a strong side, but we had the right tactical and mental approach,” Garcia told Sport Mediaset.
“It’s a shame they scored those two goals, as they didn’t have many chances and we were denied by the best goalkeeper in the world.
“We played the game I was expecting. I compliment the lads, even if we lost, as we certainly cancelled out the image we gave of ourselves in the other game.
“All the lads worked hard, as against Bayern Munich you need to be organised and defend well. It was important to find a way of surprising them and we knew that we couldn’t beat them in terms of possession.
“Unfortunately with their pressing it’s tough to keep the ball for long and it’s a shame we didn’t make more of cross-field passes to go on the break.”
Garcia made some surprising decisions, benching Francesco Totti, Gervinho, Miralem Pjanic and Morgan De Sanctis.
“I made certain choices to have a compact and aggressive squad, but also to ensure we have some fresh legs against Torino on Sunday.”
Manchester City suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to CSKA Moscow, so Roma are still in second place on joint four points with the Russians.
The Giallorossi have a superior head-to-head record thanks to a 5-1 home victory.
“If someone had told us after both games with Bayern we’d still be second, then we’d be happy. That leaves destiny in our own hands. There are two matches to play, we can qualify for the next round and that is the most important thing.”