Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jose Callejon will stay at Napoli, describing the winger as a ‘very important’ part of his team.
Callejon joined Napoli in the summer of 2013, as part of Coach Rafa Benitez’s rebuilding of the squad, and has scored four goals in 40 games for the Azzurri this season.
His contract has only another year to run, but Ancelotti made it clear the Spaniard was going nowhere.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jose Callejon will stay at Napoli, describing the winger as a ‘very important’ part of his team.
Callejon joined Napoli in the summer of 2013, as part of Coach Rafa Benitez’s rebuilding of the squad, and has scored four goals in 40 games for the Azzurri this season.
His contract has only another year to run, but Ancelotti made it clear the Spaniard was going nowhere.
“He will stay because he’s expressed a desire to stay, he is happy here,” said the Coach in the third and final part of his pre-Arsenal Press conference.
“We have had talks, there is willingness from the club and I to continue our journey with him.
“He has a great sense of belonging in the side and he is very important here. He is one of the keys to our success. When he wears this jersey, he feels something special.”
Napoli went ‘in ritiro’ following their 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, only coming out of it after their win at Chievo last week, and Ancelotti was asked if his players were against it.
“No, actually I was against it,” he explained.
“Then I thought about it and I thought it would be better to stay in Verona. Generally, I am against the idea of a ‘ritiro’ because it’s better that the players are at home instead of on a computer or social media.
“The win against Chievo then helped us create a more positive environment for the second leg.”
Ancelotti then spoke of why he felt his side could overturn their tie with the Gunners and reach to the semi-finals.
“We are capable of playing a great match and we will play one in front of our fans,” assured the former Milan boss.
“We will do our best to change the way we play compared to the first match.
“We will have to do better, that result was not good for us, but we have a chance and we will use all our energy to reach the semi-finals.”
Napoli fans unveiled a banner in the city that demanded they win the Europa League during the week, but Ancelotti was quick to play down their expectations.
“You can expect and demand from my players maximum commitment and focus,” he concluded.
“However, sporting results cannot be guaranteed despite us giving our full attention and determination.
“Demand means guarantee and I cannot guarantee the result. I can only demand commitment and dedication from my players.
“As for the rest I’m not a magician. Personally, I don't like the term ‘demand’.”