Maurizio Sarri is impressed by Arek Milik, explained why Napoli cannot defend deep and fully expects Juventus to win the Scudetto.
Milik came off the bench to bag a brace in the 3-1 victory over Bologna this evening, sending the Partenopei temporarily to the top of the Serie A table.
Maurizio Sarri is impressed by Arek Milik, explained why Napoli cannot defend deep and fully expects Juventus to win the Scudetto.
Milik came off the bench to bag a brace in the 3-1 victory over Bologna this evening, sending the Partenopei temporarily to the top of the Serie A table.
“I was surprised by Milik’s scoring rate, but not by his performances, because I knew he was very strong. I do think we need to take some pressure off him, as he’s 22 years old and only had a couple of Serie A appearances,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“He cannot be compared to the top players and must be given the time and space to grow. I am not a Coach who imposes my choices on the transfer strategy. I was asked what I thought of Milik and gave a very positive response, but I know my job and don’t need to teach the talent scouts and directors of sport their jobs.”
Jose Callejon is one of the only players who never seems to be rested. As Milik plays wide for Poland to accommodate Robert Lewandowski, could he play there for Napoli as well?
“I don’t think Milik can play wide. He is a player who doesn’t have that consistency of running we demand of the wingers. He attacks the space through the centre and I see him much better in that position.
“Unfortunately we had (Omar) El Kaddouri and (Emanuele) Giaccherini injured simultaneously, so Callejon needed to do extra work, but I hope soon we’ll be able to rest Jose as well.”
Napoli seemed a little complacent when 1-0 up today and allowed Bologna to equalise, prompting Sarri to explain why they cannot ‘control’ games like other sides.
“Our squad does not have the characteristics to defend deep and therefore we struggle in those situations. As long as we are aggressive and force errors in the opposition’s half, we can do well, so the objective is to step on the gas in the first minute and take the foot off at the final whistle.”
Beppe Bergomi said this week that Napoli have the strength in depth to fight Juventus for the Scudetto.
“Bergomi knows full well that is not true,” replied Sarri. “The economic difference with Juventus is so vast, not just for us but every Italian competitor, that they’ll have the kind of campaign that Bayern Munich have in Germany, PSG in France and Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain.
“Unfortunately this will be the reality of the situation unless Juventus do something ridiculous and they tend not to do ridiculous things.”