Roma coach defends Ashley Cole

The former Chelsea left-back was substituted at half-time during the Giallorossi’s defeat to Bayern Munich.

From this has come speculation in recent days linking Roma with moves for replacement players, with a possible MLS move being mooted for Cole.

Despite a shaky start to life in the Italian capital, the 33-year-old can count on his Coach’s backing.

“The defeat against Bayern wasn’t just down to one player,” Garcia told assembled journalists ahead of Roma’s midweek match with Cesena.

“Everyone got things wrong, the Coach included.

“Ashley has also had big games where he’s played well, such as the game with Manchester City not long ago [a 1-1 draw at the Etihad].

“He’s feeling good, he’s always positive and he’s a great champion, he’ll be involved in the upcoming games.”

After the weekend’s draw with Sampdoria, Roma have now managed only one win from their last five games in all competitions, but Garcia is not worried.

“One of those five came against Juve, so that doesn’t count,” Garcia declared, referencing the fact that Juventus were awarded two penalties in the game, which Roma felt were outside the box.

“Even without that, we didn’t lose to City or Sampdoria.”

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