The Napoli coach, in the press conference on the eve of the match against Milan, said, “We are not preparing something special for Leao; he is an excellent player but not the only one.”
On the eve of Sunday’s match against Milan, the Azzurri coach, Rudi Garcia, attempts to dispel the ghosts of last year’s 0-4 and the Champions League elimination with by the Rossoneri:”Many say that this year’s Napoli is different from last year, so the matches with Milan cannot be the same…”. “We are playing at home against a direct opponent, and we have a strong desire to win,” added Garcia, who is not thinking of any special plans to contain Leao. “He is an excellent player, but Milan has more than just him. We should also think about an anti-Pulisic and an anti-Giroud plan.
The full Press Conference:
Is the Milan match the moment of truth? “The truth lies in the 13 games played until now. It seems more logical to think this way. We are playing at home against a direct opponent, and we must win. We are on an interesting streak, and the players know it: it’s only by winning two or three games in a row in the league that we will improve our position in the standings.”
On games at the ‘Maradona Stadium’: “We need to improve our performance at the Maradona. We are effective away from home, always getting positive results.”
Milan last year was the team that caused Napoli the most difficulty. “The season is different. I will answer with irony… many say that this year’s Napoli is different from last year, so the matches with Milan can’t be the same (smiles).”
On the 2015 altercation with Pioli: “They were different teams, we were different coaches, it’s an old story. He is an excellent coach.”How will you deal with Leao? “He is an excellent player, but Milan has more than just him. We should also consider an anti-Pulisic, and an anti-Giroud plan.”
Who will replace Osimhen? “Raspadori and Simeone are both important and can cover that position. I’m pleased that Giacomo’s goal in Berlin (against Union). Cholito can be important tomorrow. They must be ready to start or come in as substitutes. They can also play together.”Is Kvaratskhelia better with Mario Rui? “I don’t agree that Kvaratskhelia plays well with Mario Rui. Khvicha found his form against Udinese, but now he’s back to his level. Other factors aren’t relevant. I expect Politano and Kvaratskhelia to be decisive.”
