The Frenchman guided his side to victory over their arch-rivals and said he always felt confident of victory because of the Biancocelesti's exertions last week
Roma boss Rudi Garcia revelled in his side's 2-1 win over rivals Lazio, claiming he knew the Biancocelesti would tire following their Coppa Italia exertions last week.
Juan Iturbe put Roma in front on 73 minutes, but the home side equalised through Filip Djordevic's effort just eight minutes later.
The game looked to be heading for a draw, but defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa struck a late winner to seal second place and a place in next season's Champions League group stage.
"We prepared the game this way, the players had the right attitude and those who came off the bench did well,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“I compliment my lads, as it was not an easy game, but we did what we said we’d do. We wanted to win until the end and we did.
“It’s a great objective we have achieved and now we can celebrate with our fans. It is so wonderful that we don’t even need the final game.
Roma were much improved in the second half following the substitution of Francesco Totti, with Victor Ibarbo replacing him, and Garcia said the change was planned.
"As Lazio had played 120 minutes on Wednesday, we predicted they would have a dip in fitness levels and that was the moment we had to change attitude and step up to hurt them.
"I only substituted him due to the tactical approach. We know Francesco won’t stand on the shoulders of defenders and run on the counter.
"He always had someone pressing him and we wanted him to give his all, then as time wore on and Lazio tired, we’d introduce quicker players, moving Iturbe to the middle.
“That way we were able to make the most of the weakness in the central Lazio defence, which is not very quick.”
Roma's form has suffered terribly since the turn of the year, but Garcia refused to criticise his players and preferred to focus on the achievement of finishing in second place.
"Right now we just want to celebrate, as second place is ours, the Champions League spot is ours.
"Although Lazio are very good, we are the strongest team in the city and the strongest team in Italy behind Juventus, who in my view are right now beyond reach.”
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