Roma coach Rudi Garcia has warned his players that the upcoming fixture against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday will be stern test for them due to its sheer unpredictability.
The Giallorossi are currently on level in points with the Scudetto holders Juventus at the top of the Serie A table, having won 2-0 against Cesena midweek while the Old Lady lost 1-0 against Genoa.
“The trip to Napoli is always difficult because they are a strong team and even more so at home,” said the former Lille coach at a pre-match press conference.
“We have to be focused and our attitude will not change.We will try to come back with a positive result,” he continued.
“They have quality offensive players although they do have some problems in the defence.”
Garcia also provided updates on the knee injury concerning defender Konstantinos Manolas and remained confident that winger Juan Iturbe will improve after just recovering from an injury.
“We’ll have to see regarding Manolas. Today is the last training session and we hope he makes it.
“On the physical level he [Iturbe] is still not good. When you come back from injury to play, there is the classic physical problem. However, he understands our game and is working hard physically.”
Moreover, the 50-year-old commented that this year’s Scudetto race is yet to be decided and that the current league positions mean nothing as of now, as there are a number of good sides in Italy.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining a razor sharp focus, especially with matches coming thick and fast for the Romans.
“When you play every three days then there is always a question mark on the fitness levels. So, we have to be 100% at all times of the game and take advantage of our opponents, who enjoy a break during the week.”
The coach also addressed the speculation surrounding the future of centre forward Mattia Destro who has not featured a lot for the Giallorossi this season.
“I decide who plays based on a number of parameters such as whether we play at home or away, who the opponent is and so on. I have to consider if I need a player in the penalty box with more imagination or not.
“I have the opportunity to choose and I will.” he concluded.
