Garcia to wait until end of the season for contract talks

The Frenchman is happy to wait until the end of the campaign before opening discussions with the club and believes his side still have a chance of winning the league

Roma head coach Rudi Garcia is happy to wait until the end of the season before discussing a new contract with the club's hierarchy.

Garcia was hired as Roma head coach in the close-season after leaving his previous role at Lille, and has proved to be a success at Stadio Olimpico with the club still harbouring an outside chance of lifting the Serie A title as they remain eight points behind Juventus.

After a superb debut campaign, Roma are thought to be keen on tying Garcia to a long-term contract, but the 50-year-old revealed talks will not begin until the present campaign reaches a conclusion.
"I've said it already, I am very happy here," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I have decided alongside Roma executives to speak to the club at the end of the season and not before."
With just five games left of the season, it seems inevitable the capital club will have to settle for second place, but could narrow the gap before welcoming Juve to the Olimpico in May.

And the Frenchman feels his side still have a chance of lifting the title at the end of the campaign and believes this season has been a success for his side regardless of where they finish.

"As long as there is life there is hope, as they say," he added. "Whenever a week passes and the gap remains the same, it is more difficult. But just when it seems that nothing can happen, perhaps a surprise will arrive.

"We are going to play against Fiorentina [on Saturday] in a difficult game, while Juventus' [at home to Bologna] seems easy. But you never know.

"Is the gap between us and Juve fair? Both teams are having a record season. We want to win every game and it seems that Juventus also want to.

"The most important victory for me has been to have put a smile back on our fans' faces.
"They are delighted and proud of their team. This is the merit of everyone involved. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico has been fantastic.

"The fusion and unity between the players and the fans is what truly gives me the biggest satisfaction."

The coach was then asked about any specific transfers he will chase up in the summer, but he declined to comment.

"I have not spoken about this. The only thing I have talked about is my desire, in having a squad like this, to be able to keep it intact, before making any purchases.

"The most important thing is, next year in the Champions League, to at least progress past the group stage and then until we cannot fight with the huge European sides."