Garcia: This is not acceptable

"We were missing something extra and I'm not talking about the players we have out injured," declared the Giallorossi coach after the Coppa Italia defeat. "Today was a complete failure but now we need to keep our heads during the storm.

"Above all, we need to show guts, pride and much more besides to show that we're capable of much better, starting from Sunday because this is not acceptable."

The game finished 0-0 after extra time and the Frenchman believes his side are lacking the necessary verve to get the goal that's been missing since Torino v Roma on December 6.

"We haven't conceded in three matches, but tactically we've lost our balance because we were scoring in buckets before and we're not doing that anymore.

"We have to take risks and take full advantage of the chances that present themselves. We need that desire to hit the back of the net in whatever fashion. These are the qualities that we've lost and we have to improve. There's nothing else to do, we cannot give up.

"Let's recapture the wolf-like spirit we had up to and including the Rome Derby. We have to put an end to this winless streak – as I've said, let's put everything right starting from Sunday."

What were Roma missing today?

"In the first half we were missing a bit of everything. You could see that a few players had lost self-belief. We didn't try to beat our opposite man to make the difference and we were only passing backwards or to the side – this isn't normal. This should act as a lesson to the players that playing with doubts takes you nowhere.

"We have to get our enthusiasm and confidence back – it's up to us to do this, no one will give us a helping hand. Sunday's game has become fundamental now because we need to get back to winning ways. I'll try to prepare the team for this match in the best possible manner.

"The second half went better, but failing to score a single goal and going to penalties was unthinkable as penalties are a lottery."

How can you get a reaction out of your players now?

"I'll obviously speak to the guys tomorrow and I'll listen to what they have to say as well. Nevertheless, there are no excuses for a game like this.

"We came off the back of a great performance against Napoli, where we worked hard in the full knowledge that we had to put in a superb team effort to reach the same level as our opposition. None of that was on show today. Perhaps we didn't understand that we are a great team and a great club.

"We shouldn't be losing to a decent Serie B side at home. If the opposition grew in confidence it's our fault and not to their credit. I'll have to explain this properly to the players tomorrow."