Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti claims bad luck is partly to blame for his side’s inconsistency. “San Gennaro isn’t helping us…”
A run of only four wins in nine games has seen Napoli fall 16 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus and crash out of the Coppa Italia.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Red Bull Salzburg, Ancelotti said: "The atmosphere is peaceful, motivated and we know that like against Juventus, this is a delicate match.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti claims bad luck is partly to blame for his side’s inconsistency. “San Gennaro isn’t helping us…”
A run of only four wins in nine games has seen Napoli fall 16 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus and crash out of the Coppa Italia.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Red Bull Salzburg, Ancelotti said: "The atmosphere is peaceful, motivated and we know that like against Juventus, this is a delicate match.
“The team are aware of the difficulties, which won’t be easy to counter. Qualification is at stake, but this game won’t be decisive. Next week’s in Austria will be.
“Salzburg attack more and play high up the pitch. Tomorrow evening’s game will help us plan for the return.
“There are teams still in the Europa League who have experience and tradition in Europe.
“The technical level is almost equal. The Europa League is gaining prestige. Manchester United, Sevilla and Chelsea have won it.
“This Napoli are also competitive in Europe, not just in Serie A. I didn’t need to talk to Lorenzo [Insigne].
“Penalty takers can make mistakes. He takes responsibility for [his penalty miss] and he’ll continue to take it.
“Physically no-one’s at risk. The lads are fine and also are on a mental level. We’re only disappointed about the result on Sunday evening because the performance was excellent.
“I really like how we’re playing and I hope there’s still room for improvement. Right now we’re not embracing the good things we’re producing.
“We must take to the field with intelligence. Salzburg are aggressive, play forward a lot and take advantage of the counterattack.
“Playing at the San Paolo, we need to take command of game but while keeping an eye on the defensive part of the game so we avoid any surprises.
“Being here, I should say that [Naples patron saint] San Gennaro isn’t helping us. I think we have to do more because San Gennaro will have something else to do then.
“My calmness? It’s because I think football is the most important thing among the less important things in life.”
Finally, the 59-year-old was asked about the role VAR played during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Juve last weekend.
“The way it’s being used right now causes some imbalance, but over time it’ll improve,” he concluded.
Napoli squad to face Salzburg: Meret, Ospina, Karnezis; Chiriches, Malcuit, Koulibaly, Ghoulam, Luperto, Maksimovic, Mario Rui, Hysaj; Allan, Diawara, Zielinski, Fabian, Verdi, Callejon, Ounas; Mertens, Insigne, Milik, Younes