Garcia on Genoa, his future and solutions

"We have to give everything we've got left in terms of energy and mental strength," began the Giallorossi coach. "Tomorrow we have to display character. Our opponents are also going through a tricky spell. It will be a battle and all we need to do is secure the three points. It's the only result that matters for us at this moment in time."

The Frenchman sees the TIM Cup last-16 exit as a blot on the season but does not consider the campaign as a whole as negative.

"The Coppa Italia was a big failure. That was the quickest route to winning a trophy. We're fifth in table, yes, but we're only a win away from second spot and we want to claim those three points on Sunday. Things were all going well until the derby. The whole season should not be considered as a write-off though."

What atmosphere do you expect at tomorrow's match?

"I'm not sure whether you're referring to the crowd or other factors. In this match we have to show desire and motivation. Our aim is to win the Genoa game. We know that there are no easy matches in Serie A."

Could this be your last match in charge of Roma?

"I'm not thinking about that. I've got bigger fish to fry and our next match is on Sunday. I know how football works but I'm still motivated, relaxed and I'm a fighter. Yes, we failed in the Coppa Italia and that is a black mark on this season. I made decisions after the game and I'm doing all I can to find the solution. We have to give 100% on Sunday, then we'll have a chance to act intelligently in January."

What decisions are you making to improve the situation?

"We have to give everything and clearly on Sunday we need to rediscover our enthusiasm and desire to play football. Plus we need to be fresh but that will be easier in the second half of the season because we'll have fewer games in a short space of time. We've spent some time together in Trigoria since the Coppa Italia defeat because we needed to show the players that now was the time to be open. They know what I think after our cup exit and I also need to listen to what the players have to say in order to improve. Obviously staying together was not a punishment, it was about living together and talking to one another and I used the opportunity to gauge how everyone is on an individual basis. That allowed me to see where we're at and where we have to get to. In the league we want to stay up where we belong."

What's been said between you and the club?

"I spoke to the president after we went out and I speak to Walter and Mauro on a daily basis. I explain the decisions I've made and I believe we have the solutions. It's nothing special, football is about winning, end of. I'm the leader of the pack and I have to hold my hands up when results aren't going to plan. Plus, it's not easy for the players to perform at the Olimpico at the moment. We haven't been able to do anything about the core of fanbase not being there but we really miss them. It's not an excuse but there's less to drive you on when there's no crowd in and a game kicks off at 14:30."

Are you the problem at Roma?

"It's not up to me to answer that. If I ever feel I can't contribute, I'll stand down. I'm motivated and I want to achieve our targets for the season. I won't give up. We'll find solutions and, if need be, we'll change things in January. First things first now though. We need to give 100% on Sunday."

Last year you spoke about how the gap with Juventus would increase. Did the club understand what you meant?

"I can only speak about the present and not the past. I'm pleased with the squad I have to work with. We knew there would be a lot of pressure this year. BATE Borisov and Bayer Leverkusen are quality sides. We knew we could get through the group, as opposed to last season, and that not only took its toll mentally but physically too. We're without some big players, the captain hasn't played in a while and yet we still have the second best attack in Serie A."

Zdenek Zeman said the players lacked motivation against Spezia.

"We all work together here and I've got nothing to say on that. I'm pleased with the relationship I have with the management and it's only right I defend the players. Confidence is essential for them and things work a lot better when they're relaxed. That's another of this team's issues. We showed great spirit at Torino, just like at Napoli. We didn't score against Borisov but it was the result we needed to qualify and then alongside all of those results there are the matches against Atalanta and Spezia at home. This is something we need to think about to see how we can improve in certain areas. The players need to stand up and be counted and everyone has to do a bit more to help their team-mates out. We have to figure out how this can happen. I've got loads of energy and I'm using some of that to push the team and have them realise that they can achieve great things, like we've shown in the past. There are no excuses for our Coppa exit. The problem is it came on the back of two draws against Torino and Napoli and we couldn't afford it."

What solutions are you devising going forward?

"We've already made decisions, we're staying together at the training ground. We'll find solutions, I know that perhaps we'll have to mix up our training sessions a touch and hammer home certain ideas. This is a young side with room for improvement. There are players who can still progress and gain experience. I like the mix and I hope that the lads have already learned things."

Do you need to be more involved in the club's transfer business?

"I have the utmost faith in my sporting director, he's shown he can achieve great things. Forget the idea that I don't speak to Walter Sabatini about how we can improve. We're always in touch. I see more of him than some of my family and that's okay."

What have you said to the players?

"What goes on in the dressing room, stays in the dressing room. I'm someone who knows how to make decisions but I also know I have a quality staff and you can think better when you put your heads together. The players can also occasionally make some very interesting suggestions and, if they take their responsibility, they can have their say. We have some intelligent players and leaders in the group. I'm thinking of Morgan De Sanctis and Daniele De Rossi and I'm definitely forgetting some. Sunday's game at 15:00 is the ideal place to bounce back."