"You can put the blame on me" says Roma Coach Rudi Garcia after 1-7 loss to Bayern Munich

No one saw this coming, no one. Not even an octopus would predict the eventual outcome of the Roma vs Bayern game which ended in a disaster for the Italians on home soil.

Roma were tortured by the visiting Germans on the night as they fell like a bag of cats with mesmerizing display from the flying Dutchman Arjen Robben who grabbed a brace in that game, along side the likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski, Franc Ribery, Mario Gotze and Xherdan Shaqiri who co pelted the route.

Rudi Garcia however accepted that his side lost both tactically and mentally which amounted to the bashing which was never envisaged.

“It was a tactical collapse more than a psychological one. We weren’t aggressive enough and allowed Bayern to play,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am the first one who made the mistake, it is not the fault of the players, the first-half approach was my fault entirely. It was the wrong strategy, we should’ve been more closed up and try to hit them on the counter-attack.

“Once we were a goal down after 10 minutes, we ran forward and that played into Bayern’s hands. We were too eager to get it back on track and left spaces that Bayern took advantage of. We should’ve kept our heads and waited for the right chance.

“We had a good reaction after the break, their goalkeeper prevented us scoring a couple more, but I am disappointed by the two goals we conceded late on. We wanted to prove there is pride in this squad and we did that in the second half.”

“Now we must lift our heads and the only good news is Manchester City’s draw, which allows us to stay second in the group.

“Bayern were stronger than us and we played much less well than usual. We were almost spectators in the first half and what I don’t like is the lack of aggression and unity.

“We must accept this defeat, which proves we also need more steps to get closer to the best teams in the world. We are still second and can hope for qualification, but certainly not playing like this.

“Playing against Bayern Munich there is only one thing to lose and that is with a slap to the face. Losing to them is normal.”

Roma remain second in the group after City could only draw 2-2 at CSKA.