Roma coach, Eusebio Di Francesco has revealed why his side were knocked out from the Champions League by Liverpool.
The Reds were beaten 4-2 by Roma in the second leg of the semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, but advanced 7-6 on aggregate.
Roma came close to pulling off a dramatic comeback, but could not take several chances that fell their way in the second half.
Di Francesco blames his players and their lack of belief after losing to Liverpool.
The Giallorossi boss, however, said his players wasted too much time standing and arguing with the referee that would not change his decisions.
“We have grown through this experience, but I have regrets because this team should’ve believed more in its chances, we could’ve had more goals and pushed Liverpool even more,” Di Francesco told Mediaset Premium.
“I am first of all disappointed at our exit and I tell the players well done, because reacting like that and putting Liverpool on the ropes was almost perfect in the second half.
“It’d be important for Roma to be protagonists in the Champions League again next season, but first we have to secure our place in Serie A. We’ve proved we can compete in the tournament after a journey that was not easy, but I am not going to settle for that. We can do more.”
Di Francesco added: “I don’t raise my voice with UEFA, that is for the club. I have to raise my voice with the players, who have to believe and push forward if there are a few minutes left and seek another goal. I have anger and even more regret, because I do believe we could’ve done it and we wasted time.
“We mustn’t stand there arguing with the referee, he’s not going to change his mind, so we just played into Liverpool’s hands. That is what I can do something about and makes me angry.
“Obviously, 20-25 minutes from the end, a red card and penalty could’ve really had Liverpool on the ropes. However, we made mistakes too and those are what cost us.”
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