Christian Maggio insisted Napoli’s Champions League exit to Athletic Bilbao was “not a failure, but it’s a psychological issue.”

Christian Maggio insisted Napoli’s Champions League exit to Athletic Bilbao was “not a failure, but it’s a psychological issue.”

The Partenopei had taken the lead at the San Mames with Marek Hamsik, but shambolic defending saw them lose 3-1 on the night, 4-2 on aggregate.

“It’s not a failure. We got the approach wrong. It’s a shame, as we came here eager to do well and knew it would be tough,” Maggio told Sport Mediaset.

“We took the lead and thought perhaps it was done, but in this stadium you can never say never. We have to evaluate what happened and go forward.

“I think that up to the equaliser we had all put in a good performance, but perhaps it’s a psychological issue. In Europe as soon as we concede a goal, we let go and it all collapses. We cannot afford to keep doing that.”

Napoli now go into the Europa League, but make no secret they have to target the Scudetto this season.

“I thank the fans who came here to cheer us on. We will certainly give more in Serie A, as that is our main priority, and will see how we do in the Europa League too.”

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