Rudi Garcia focused on Roma “character” to fight back rather than the sudden collapse to Bayer Leverkusen.
Last time they met it ended 4-4, this time 3-2 with the Giallorossi fumbling a 2-0 half-time lead until Miralem Pjanic eventually converted a penalty.
“We certainly don’t get bored when these two teams play each other,” smiled a relieved Garcia on Mediaset Premium.
Rudi Garcia focused on Roma “character” to fight back rather than the sudden collapse to Bayer Leverkusen.
Last time they met it ended 4-4, this time 3-2 with the Giallorossi fumbling a 2-0 half-time lead until Miralem Pjanic eventually converted a penalty.
“We certainly don’t get bored when these two teams play each other,” smiled a relieved Garcia on Mediaset Premium.
“We could’ve scored more goals in the first half and after the break there was this black-out, but we had the character to get back into it.
“We would’ve been out of the tournament if we hadn’t won tonight. The lads did well, because there are teams who would crumble if going from 2-0 to 2-2 in five minutes.”
As things stand, Roma are second in the Champions League group on five points, followed by Bayer Leverkusen on four and BATE Borisov three.
It’s important to note the Italians have the upper hand in the head-to-head record with Leverkusen in case they finish level.
“In the second half we ran two metres less than in the first. Perhaps some think they can lean on their teammates instead of doing something more to help their teammate.
“The Coach can understand negative things there, but I am happy because the lads reacted the way they should’ve done.”
Alessandro Florenzi started despite not being 100 per cent fit and was substituted, then Douglas Maicon limped off too.
“I hope Flore doesn’t have a lesion. I think Maicon’s condition is more serious.”