Roma coach Rudi Garcia admits the Giallorossi failed to play up to their usual standards despite claiming a hard fought 2-1 victory over Atalanta on Saturday.
A late first half striker from Radja Nainggolan was enough to secure all three points for the Giallorossi, though Garcia was bothered by his players constant giving away of the ball at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
“Tonight it was important to win. There was character and personality even if we gave the ball away too much,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“This stadium is difficult, overall we are satisfied.”
The Frenchman took time to praise goal scorer Adem Ljajic, stating he isn’t surprised to see the Serbian’s recent run of good form.
“I have been saying it for 18 months that he is a talented player. Luckily in attack I don’t have problems as I can alternate and allow everyone to play.
“Tonight Ljajic had a great match, scoring a goal and also providing an important assist for Nainggolan.
“Did we work on the second goal in training? Yes we put a lot of work into runs between the lines because they didn’t have a playmaker.
“At times we took advantage of it, but not enough. We worked on the runs of Nainggolan and [Miralem] Pjanic.
“Level on points with Juventus? The only thing that matters is our victory.”
