Rudi Garcia admits Roma “kept backing off” Fiorentina, but changed tack after the break to earn a 1-1 draw.

The Giallorossi are now seven points behind leaders Juventus after five draws in their last seven rounds.

“The reaction was good and we played an excellent second half, so let’s look at the positives. It’s true we could’ve done better in the first half, but we knew Fiorentina had a lot of quality,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

Rudi Garcia admits Roma “kept backing off” Fiorentina, but changed tack after the break to earn a 1-1 draw.

The Giallorossi are now seven points behind leaders Juventus after five draws in their last seven rounds.

“The reaction was good and we played an excellent second half, so let’s look at the positives. It’s true we could’ve done better in the first half, but we knew Fiorentina had a lot of quality,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

“We kept backing off our opponents in the first half and the plan had been the opposite of that. After the break we saw a more ambitious Roma that created many scoring opportunities.

“Manuel Iturbe provided a great assist for Ljajic, it’s just a shame we didn’t manage to get the second goal on Totti’s pass. Iturbe is proving himself to be a great player and if he continues to improve it’ll be better for him and us.

“We were tighter to our opponents, more aggressive and therefore also able to attack the space.”

Kevin Strootman’s injury prompted a change of tactics too with Miralem Pjanic coming off the bench.

“We decided to introduce Miro because Kevin was injured, but also to defend with a slightly different system and Ljajic behind the two strikers. We played much better in that shape.

“Fiorentina were very aggressive and deserve credit, but it was also our problem as we were defending by backing off. In order to attack, you need to win the ball…

“We had come here to win, albeit knowing Fiorentina are an excellent team. This is why I prefer to work on the second half performance and go forward from that. Like my team, I am motivated and relaxed.”

Strootman went off after a knock to the knee on the precise point where he underwent knee surgery just under a year ago.

“The doctor said it doesn’t seem serious, but with the knee you always have to be careful. We’ll see tomorrow, but we hope it’s nothing, especially as Kevin has already paid a heavy price for that knee.”

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