Rudi Garcia felt fatigue and training schedules made the difference in Roma’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Rudi Garcia felt fatigue and training schedules made the difference in Roma’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
The Giallorossi had taken the lead through Erik Lamela, but Frank Lampard and a last-minute Romelu Lukaku effort turned it around in Washington DC.
“We had a good first half, keeping possession and creating a few good scoring opportunities,” said Coach Garcia.
While Chelsea begin the Premier League season next week, Roma do not play their first official match until August 25.
“In the second half, partly due to the number of changes in the sides, we were unable to play the same way. Chelsea made many substitutions and their players were more physically fresh.
“The only problem I saw in our second half performance was fatigue. We were tired and therefore couldn’t keep the ball the same way as in the first half.”
Summer signing Kevin Strootman was used in a creative midfield role, as Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic were not 100 per cent fit.
“I had few options and Strootman can play in any midfield position.”