Rudi Garcia, the coach with deep ties to both Lille and Roma, reflects on the emotional connection he has with both cities and clubs. As he prepares for the match between Roma and Lille, Garcia acknowledges his past with Lille, where he played and coached for five years, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
Garcia’s Affection for Both Clubs
Garcia expresses strong sentiments about both clubs, stating that Lille is where his career began, and every return feels like coming home. He regards Roma as his beloved team in Italy and is consistently touched by the affection the fans show him. He believes that regardless of the match outcome, he will feel victorious.
Roma’s Current Form
Discussing Roma’s performance, Garcia praises the team’s defensive strength. He acknowledges that while Roma does not concede many goals, he is uncertain if they are equipped to compete on multiple fronts this season. He sees potential for a strong league campaign, aiming for a top-four finish.
Key Players and Injuries
- Dybala is highlighted as a special player, although he frequently struggles with injuries.
- Garcia notes Ferguson and Dovbyk are not yet at peak form.
- Edin Dzeko’s intelligence on the field is commended, and he draws comparisons to Olivier Giroud, who is still effective in his career.
Lille’s Changing Dynamics
Garcia reflects on Lille’s recent performance, observing a decline compared to the previous year. The absence of key players like Jonathan David and Zhegrova weighs heavily on the team. Despite this, he believes Lille knows how to maintain its playing style effectively.
Belgium’s National Team Insights
As the coach of the Belgian national team, Garcia discusses his dependence on high-caliber forwards. He misses Romelu Lukaku, noting the team’s past successes without him but acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. He expresses positivity about new players stepping up but regards Lukaku as irreplaceable due to his unique skill set.
Future of Belgian Football
Garcia also comments on Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to join Napoli, recognizing the advantages of playing in a competitive league without the burden of long travels. He believes De Bruyne, at 34, still possesses exceptional talent despite his age.
Serie A Championship Outlook
Looking ahead to the Serie A title race, Garcia believes traditional contenders like Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus will be in the running. He acknowledges the challenges of repeating past successes but sees quality across the league.
In his dual role between Belgium’s national team and managing at the club level, Rudi Garcia remains a significant figure in European football, with a focus on both nurturing talent and strategic gameplay.
