Thursday, 13th June, 2013
Newly appointed Roma coach Rudi Garcia has vowed to increase both his and the club’s trophy tally following confirmation of his two-year spell with the Giallorossi.
Roma had been poised to name Garcia as their new coach on Wednesday night, with the 49-year-old joining from Ligue 1 club Lille, where he spent five years in the dugout.
Garcia has already proved his credentials as a manager by winning the double with Lille – the 2011 league title and French Cup – but insists he was keen to expand his horizons beyond France.
In a press conference given in New York, Garcia promised to provide a new direction for Roma, given that the former Italian giants finished narrowly outside of European competition this season in sixth place.
relatedNewsStory
"This is a new page that opens in my professional life", Garcia said. "I am proud and honoured to join this family and this great club.
"I was attracted by the opportunity to win titles in Rome. We will work for the happiness of our fans. This is very important. I know the club and its players very well. Now I need to be there to get to know the people because this also is very important.
"My objectives and football philosophy are without a doubt offensive, but I am well aware that in order to win a game you also need an excellent defensive base."
The former coach of the year in France has had experience in the set-ups at Le Mans and Dijon before moving to Lille in 2008, whilst his Roma stint has the added option of a year on his contract should it be required.
And Roma president James Pallotta added: "We want to welcome Rudi Garcia and thank [interim coach] Aurelio Andreazzoli for his contribution in these months. Now, our focus is on next season.
"Rudi Garcia, is the first coach that has been picked with my effective approval. I feel he will stay with us for a very long time."
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
