Following Roma’s 2-1 win away to CSKA Moscow, coach Eusebio Di Francesco warned his players that he expects much better from them than they delivered in Moscow.
Kostas Manolas and Lorenzo Pellegrini struck in each half for the Giallorossi as they moved on to nine points from their four games played in this year’s competition.
The Giallorossi tactician was noticeably angry and animated throughout the contest, particularly in the second half as his side struggled to put the game to bed, and discussed why he was so upset afterwards.
“The lads must understand that you have to make sure of these games and close them out. It wasn’t an easy game for us but I’m not satisfied with the result,” he told reporters in Moscow.
“We have to grow up and my players need to get the message here. We needed to manage the game better but that doesn’t mean you need to play seven long balls straight down to their goalkeeper.
“This is a game that we should have won with greater conviction. I want more. Maybe I demand too much from my players, I don’t know but I want more, that is for sure and is all I have to say.”
Roma now look well-placed to secure a last 16 berth in the Champions League, sitting five points clear of third-placed CSKA Moscow with two games remaining.
