Wolfsburg Coach Dieter Hecking bowed down to Napoli, who are “on another level” to previous opponents Inter.
The side currently second in the Bundesliga had swept Inter aside in the Round of 16, but were crushed 4-1 at home in the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final.
“I want to compliment Napoli, as they put in their best performance of the last few months, albeit with our help,” said Hecking in a Press conference.
Wolfsburg Coach Dieter Hecking bowed down to Napoli, who are “on another level” to previous opponents Inter.
The side currently second in the Bundesliga had swept Inter aside in the Round of 16, but were crushed 4-1 at home in the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final.
“I want to compliment Napoli, as they put in their best performance of the last few months, albeit with our help,” said Hecking in a Press conference.
“The start wasn’t so negative, but after conceding the goal we lacked tactical intelligence. In order to fight back as we did with Inter, we left ourselves exposed at the back, but Napoli are on another level to Inter.
“Napoli won many individual duels around the pitch. We often tried for a smart ball instead of just going forward to put pressure on.
“Gonzalo Higuain moved brilliantly between our centre-backs and this is a game we will need to prepare us for the Champions League next season.
“We have to recognise that Napoli were superior on the night. We haven’t lost many times this season, but at times a defeat can be good for the team’s growth process.
“It’d be an historic miracle to turn this around in the second leg, but we must at least put in a very different performance at the San Paolo.”
The tactician was asked about the opening goal, where Higuain appeared to use his arm.
“It’s an irregular goal, but that mustn’t be an excuse for our defeat. We started well, but after the goal made far too many mistakes.
“They did so well on the second goal and it became extremely difficult.”
Hecking had said beforehand he’d bet a cappuccino with Napoli fans in his local restaurant.
“The cappuccino will cost more now!”