The words of the Azzurri coach on the eve of the Allianz Stadium showdown: ‘These guys give their heart and soul for the team.’
“Napoli won the Scudetto last year, Juventus has always been one of the strongest Italian teams; it’s a match of great importance, very important, and we need to do well. It will also help me understand if we have made certain improvements,” said Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri on the eve of the clash at the Allianz Stadium.
THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
What does Juve-Napoli represent for you?
“I think since I arrived, we’ve realized that with the first mistake we make, we immediately pay conceding a goal. We’re trying to improve this. Top teams must have a game balance, be solid, and not concede many goals. We want to get better in all of this, this is my task. Napoli won the Scudetto last year, Juventus has always been one of the strongest Italian teams; it’s a match of great importance, very important, and we need to do well. It will also help me understand if we have made certain improvements.
Are there any physical problems within the team that remain from the past management?
“I made it clear that I don’t want to make any more mistakes, especially in terms of communication. I won’t say things that go against the professionalism of those who were here before me. Certain assessments remain in the locker room.”
Is there a lack of soul in the team?
“Soul always matters in football. The players have made me understand that they are giving their all with me; they are starting to give their all. The important thing is to be convinced of what the coach proposes. I see a strong bond towards me and the team; you know that I also talk to them individually, and we are starting a journey. The soul, the team, the desire not to succumb is what matters most.“
Difficulties in the defensive phase?
“I am working on this aspect. Something has already been seen; in the first half against Inter, the team did very well, did not concede a counterattack except their goal. We didn’t deserved it for what we created until that point.”
How is Osimhen?
“It’s normal for someone of his physique to take some time after a period of inactivity. He is not at 100%, but I believe he will give me more guarantees than in the last few matches.”
Do you expect something from the January transfer market?
“If the club listens to me. When we reach the end of the month, I will have a better understanding of the situation and will say what we might do. After a month and a half, I can be more aware in giving indications.”
What is your Napoli missing to be like in the first half against Inter?
“I was very happy fort 45 minutes, but being ahead or behind changes the game. To truly understand if there has been a decline, we must also consider the psychological level. Being champions and finding yourself losing home games can also be a psychological issue. We are working to fix these problems”
What is needed to win against Juve?
“We need to be compact, make fewer mistakes in front of goal, not concede counterattacks, and be dangerous in front of goal. A bit of luck is always needed too, believe me. Sometimes everything goes wrong; and then one incident can turn everything around. Against Inter, Napoli deserved to be ahead at halftime.“
Massa appointed for a Serie B match…
“I don’t want to be the one who talks about referees anymore. Even next time, I won’t talk about referees. The old Mazzarri is retired. I prefer to do as I did on Sunday, I would like to talk only about the team.”
