Basel planning pays off for Fink

Claudio Ranieri pointed to a lacklustre first-half performance as the decisive factor in a 3-1 home defeat by FC Basel 1893 that leaves AS Roma bottom of UEFA Champions League Group E. Roma forward Marco Borriello cancelled out Alexander Frei's early goal, yet the home side had no answer to Samuel Inkoom's 44th-minute effort, substitute Cabral making the points safe late on to leave Thorsten Fink delighted with a game plan that paid off in spectacular style.

Claudio Ranieri, Roma coach
Throughout the whole first half we were very weak; we committed virtually no fouls which shows we were not pressing as we should have done. We were not winning duels in midfield and they were able to keep possession easily. When we had the ball, we failed to play with one or two touches, so we were never dangerous.

I don't know why we played like that; I asked my players in the dressing room and they couldn't give me an answer either. In the second half we managed to play better; we raised the tempo and probably deserved a draw considering all the chances we had to equalise. However, I need to understand why we had that approach in the first half and I need to do it quickly.

Thorsten Fink, Basel coach
We played very well in the first half, just the way we'd planned it. In the second half, we were a bit lucky in the first 20 minutes; that was a period in which Roma created a lot of pressure. I was nervous then, no question. Against a side like Roma you can't prevent them having any chances, but all in all I'm very satisfied with everybody. I was very happy with my substitutes, who fitted it smoothly.

Alexander Frei's goal was wonderful. He showed that he is still able to score great goals on the international stage. The goal that made it 3-1, from Cabral, was also first class. Now we can fight for second place in the group.