The French coach was enthused by the outcome of
his decision to field an attacking line-up against the Sicilians, but
insisted afterwards that Juventus remain the title favourites
Rudi Garcia was delighted with Roma’s "stellar" second-half display against Catania, after introducing a completely new shape to his side.The Giallorossi started with four strikers at the Olimpico, with Francesco Totti, Adem Ljajic and Gervinho slotting in behind striker Mattia Destro in 4-2-3-1 formation.
The hosts initially struggled to break down Serie A’s basement side during a profligate opening 45 minutes but clicked in spectacular fashion during the second period, producing a performance that Garcia just could not fault.
“The first half was bad but the second half was stellar. That is the Roma I always want to see,” the former Lille boss told Sky Sport Italia after the game.
“We have been working on this since the start of the season. It’s true the balance of the side was much better in the second half, but we also knew a draw would be a bad result for us, so we had to push hard to win with four strikers.
“We can play a more attacking system when we have these great centre-backs who protect the goal well.”
The capital club are the only side left in Serie A this season with an unbeaten record, but they still sit five points behind league leaders Juventus.
The pair meet on the first weekend in January in a game that should provide a clear indication as to where the Scudetto is heading this season, but Garcia feels that the Bianconeri's superior strength in depth gives the men from Turin a clear advantage.
“We have 41 points after 17 games - an extraordinary sum," he enthused. "With these points we’d usually be top, but this year Juventus win all the time.
"The real difference is that Juve have a squad built to win in Italy, but also in Europe, so they have two teams in one.”
Roma travel to Juventus Stadium on January 5 to take on the two-time defending champions. ------------------ goal.com
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