Red-hot welcome awaits Bayern at AS Roma tonight
AS Roma french coach Rudi Garcia (left) congratulates Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan during the Italian Serie A football match Roma vs Chievo on October 18, 2014. Garcia believes his side will cope with the pressure of having their Champions League destiny in their hands tonight. FILE PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Roma warmed up for Tuesday’s Group E clash with a resounding 3-0 defeat of Chievo on Saturday and although Pep Guardiola’s side routed Werder Bremen 6-0, Garcia wants a packed-out Stadio Olimpico to give the hosts something extra.
- After a sabbatical year, Guardiola took over Bayern and found immediate success, leading the Germans to the Bundesliga title, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
MILAN
Roma coach Rudi Garcia has promised Bayern Munich a red-hot welcome when the Bundesliga giants arrive in the Italian capital looking to spoil the Giallorossi’s great start to the Champions League.
Roma warmed up for Tuesday’s Group E clash with a resounding 3-0 defeat of Chievo on Saturday and although Pep Guardiola’s side routed Werder Bremen 6-0, Garcia wants a packed-out Stadio Olimpico to give the hosts something extra.
“Bayern are ready and they will be on a high but we’re counting on a red hot atmosphere at the Olimpico. We can’t wait, it will be a fantastic game,” Garcia said after Saturday’s win, which left Roma just a point adrift of Serie A leaders Juventus.
Roma have made a remarkable return to the Champions League following a three-year absence, following up a 5-1 defeat of CSKA Moscow with a creditable 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.
Bayern have registered back-to-back wins over the same opposition and, after their weekend waltz in the Bundesliga, Guardiola’s men should be brimming with confidence.
Guardiola won a record 14 trophies in his two-season spell with Barcelona, including a treble of the Liga, Spanish Cup and Champions League in his first season in charge.
After a sabbatical year, Guardiola took over Bayern and found immediate success, leading the Germans to the Bundesliga title, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola’s credentials, the 43-year-old Spaniard may have mixed emotions on his return to the Olimpico. As a player, Guardiola spent a season at Roma (2002-2003) that was notably marked by a positive test for the banned drug nandrolone, leading to a four-month ban.
