AS Roma vs Cesena preview - Garcia calls for concentration

Posted Tuesday, October 28, 2014 by PA

Roma coach Rudi Garcia is demanding better concentration from his players ahead of Wednesday's match against Cesena.

The Giallorossi have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.

On Saturday, Garcia's side settled for a point after a goalless draw at Sampdoria, a result that allowed Juventus to extend their lead over second-place Roma at the top of Serie A to three points.

"We have to return to winning ways in the league," Garcia said in Wednesday's press conference. "We are playing at home and with all the respect I have for Cesena, I don't expect any other result by my team than a victory."

The games will only become harder for Roma as well because they travel to the San Paolo this weekend to face Napoli.

Veteran midfielder Seydou Keita is to return to the Roma line-up after being out of action with an injury and Greek defender Manolas should also play after serving a suspension.

"The return of Keita and Manolas is good news," Garcia said. "We will have fresh legs for our next games."

Roma have won all of their league games at the Stadio Olimpico and take on a Cesena side that has claimed just one point away from home so far.

The Emilia-Romagna outfit travels to the Italian capital having seen its unbeaten run at home come to an end in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.

Despite the loss, Cesena, who gained promotion to Serie A earlier this year, turned in a solid performance against Inter.

Cesena coach Pierpaolo Bisoli is hoping for a similar performance against Roma.

Roma have the second best attack and defence in the competition with 16 goals scored and just four conceded.

"We will face Roma with the same determination that we displayed against Inter," Bisoli said. "Despite playing in numerical inferiority, we gave few spaces to Inter.

"Roma have few defects and we play great football.

"We will need to try to intercept their passes."

Cesena are 17th in the standings, level on six points with Palermo, who are in the relegation zone.