Maurizio Sarri rued poor Napoli finishing after a 1-1 draw away to Besiktas, but defended Manolo Gabbiadini.
Ricardo Quaresma had opened the scoring in Istanbul with a penalty for Nikola Maksimovic’s handball, but Marek Hamsik came to the rescue with a ferocious solo effort.
Maurizio Sarri rued poor Napoli finishing after a 1-1 draw away to Besiktas, but defended Manolo Gabbiadini.
Ricardo Quaresma had opened the scoring in Istanbul with a penalty for Nikola Maksimovic’s handball, but Marek Hamsik came to the rescue with a ferocious solo effort.
“We need to concentrate on the performances more than the results right now, as after a difficult period we played two good games against Juventus and Besiktas,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, because we were in control, but unfortunately at the moment we are not turning our many chances into goals.”
Gabbiadini wasted an early opportunity, but was then largely anonymous until he made way for Dries Mertens.
“He did well in the first half, less so in the second. I think it’s a positive comeback considering he hadn’t played for 10 days,” shrugged Sarri.
In the absence of Arkadiusz Milik, should Jose Callejon be tried as a False Nine?
“We did that last season in the Europa League, but he is crucial for us in keeping the balance and brings guarantees when defending. Taking him out of that position with two very attacking wingers can be dangerous.
“Jose has in his characteristics the ability to play as a centre-forward too. After the equaliser we had great chances to win it with Dries and Lorenzo Insigne, but the media see those as mere details. As a Coach I say we had a satisfying performance.
“If we rediscover our solidity in defence, then the attacking moves will benefit as a result.”
Milik had surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, but could be out for anything between four and six months.
“The lad is ferociously determined and I think his recovery time will be quicker than predicted, but it certainly cannot be less than two months.
“If I sit here crying over injuries then I’d be giving my team 2,000 alibis, but these things can happen in football. We must all have faith.”