Carlo Ancelotti accepts Napoli have been placed ‘under scrutiny’ but is confident his side can use it as ‘motivation’ to win the Europa League.
Napoli fired blanks in their last two Serie A games against Fiorentina and Torino but did take a 3-1 lead in their Europa League last-32 tie against FC Zurich.
Carlo Ancelotti accepts Napoli have been placed ‘under scrutiny’ but is confident his side can use it as ‘motivation’ to win the Europa League.
Napoli fired blanks in their last two Serie A games against Fiorentina and Torino but did take a 3-1 lead in their Europa League last-32 tie against FC Zurich.
“The team are playing good football, we have the desire to score more goals and we’re focused on this game, which shouldn’t be underestimated,” Ancelotti said at a Press conference for Thursday’s second leg at the San Paolo.
“We have a result that comforts us, but I want to avoid surprises. I have nothing to say to the fans who haven’t been turning up.
“Each one of them is entitled to live their life as they want, just as the team are. Those who were there were able to watch a good Napoli performance against Torino.
“There’ll be some rotation. We used up a lot of energy in the games against Zurich and Torino. Of course, Chiriches will start from the first minute.
“Everyone has the ability to manage these moments of not scoring. It’s how forwards work. There was a time when Milik was better than Mertens and vice versa.
“It requires more attention. The problem will be solved without any particular alchemy. We’re only lacking clarity and precision. I expect a few more goals from the midfielders.
“In the last three months of the season we’ll all be under scrutiny and this will have to be motivation for us because that’s when our campaign will be determined.
“We’ve reached a key point of the season so now we need to put in even more effort, especially in the Europa League, where you’re in or out. We want to go all the way.
The former Milan boss was then asked what grade he’d give his side for their campaign so far, before commenting on the sexism storm that saw Italy icon Fulvio Collovati censured.
“A 7, but I hope to give them a higher grade at the end of the season,” he replied.
“If I wanted to I could talk to my wife about tactics, but I don’t want to because when I go home I want to unplug myself from football.
“Football is my great passion and I don’t want to ruin that with more stress.”