Roma coach Rudi Garcia felt his team had been
disrespected in the lead-up to their 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday.
Mattia Destro's brace and a Miralem Pjanic free-kick saw
Roma continue their fine Serie A form, with Garcia's men still four points
clear of third-placed Napoli but well behind leaders Juventus.
Garcia said his side proved their critics wrong after
many questioned them following their Coppa Italia loss to Napoli.
"I think that after the Coppa Italia there was a
lack of respect for my team," the Frenchman told Sky Sport Italia.
"Today we saw the response, as the truth is always
on the pitch. We saw a great Roma side, who are second in Serie A, play
incredible football, are four points ahead of Napoli with a game in hand.
"Tonight we proved that we are strong. You all know
there was a lack of respect.
"People need to acknowledge what this team can do
and say the truth. I have total faith in this team and I think I am right to do
so."
Destro headed in an Alessandro Florenzi corner just
before half-time to put Roma ahead at the Stadio Olimpico.
Pjanic doubled Roma's lead nine minutes into the second
half with a 30-yard free-kick which found the bottom corner.
The three points were sealed three minutes later as
Destro's finish from inside the area completed a fine team move, with the
visitors reduced to 10 men late on when Daniele Gastaldello saw red.
Garcia paid tribute to Destro and hopes right-back
Maicon, who was substituted in the second half, is not set for a spell on the
sidelines.
"Destro is a great striker. He is a very important
player in my squad, has scored six goals this season and deserves
compliments," Garcia said.
"We need everyone and hope Douglas Maicon's injury
is not serious.
"Now we have to rest and prepare for Bologna. This
week we can sit back and watch the others play in Europe, which will be of
great help for Roma to reach the Champions League."
Culled from Fourfourtwo
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