Carlo Ancelotti explained his Napoli tactics to neutralise Liverpool and joked Lorenzo Insigne’s late goal “came at the right moment.”
The Partenopei largely dominated the Champions League finalists at the Stadio San Paolo and hit the bar with Dries Mertens moments before Insigne’s winner.
“The team did well throughout the game, we never lost control, were always very focused, above all when defending and allowed Liverpool practically nothing.
Carlo Ancelotti explained his Napoli tactics to neutralise Liverpool and joked Lorenzo Insigne’s late goal “came at the right moment.”
The Partenopei largely dominated the Champions League finalists at the Stadio San Paolo and hit the bar with Dries Mertens moments before Insigne’s winner.
“The team did well throughout the game, we never lost control, were always very focused, above all when defending and allowed Liverpool practically nothing.
“We had the chances to score earlier, but I think we timed it well. We scored at the right time… If Mertens had scored a few minutes earlier, it would’ve been more time suffering!” the Coach smiled on Sky Sport Italia.
Ancelotti shocked everyone by starting Nikola Maksimovic in what appeared to be a 3-5-2 formation, but only at times.
“We defended with 4-4-2, the same as many other times. What changed was building from the back, I put in Maksimovic to avoid the strong pressure Liverpool forwards tend to put on us.
“Mario Rui with a more open and advanced position caused them problems. Above all, it was to stop them stealing the ball off us at the start of the attacking move.
“It’s the game I expected and always do. I see the quality this team has, but with a little tension we don’t express ourselves the way we should. I hope this victory can build confidence and make us play with more freedom.
“You prepare games in your head and then it’s all down to interpretation. We tested yesterday with a few problems, but we kept working at it and this victory keeps us in the running for this group.”
In fact, as Liverpool beat PSG 3-2 in the opener and the French side demolished Red Star Belgrade 5-1 today, Napoli are top of the group on four points.