Carlo Ancelotti has urged Napoli to produce more of the same when they face Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.
Napoli lead 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout tie with Salzburg but fell further behind Serie A pace-setters Juventus last weekend, needing a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Sassuolo.
“3-0 was a good result, but tomorrow we’ll only think about playing to the best of our ability, trying to win again,” Ancelotti said at a Press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti has urged Napoli to produce more of the same when they face Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.
Napoli lead 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout tie with Salzburg but fell further behind Serie A pace-setters Juventus last weekend, needing a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Sassuolo.
“3-0 was a good result, but tomorrow we’ll only think about playing to the best of our ability, trying to win again,” Ancelotti said at a Press conference.
“Nothing will change in terms of our attitude. We’re here to give our best, without making calculations.
“In the last 10 minutes of the first leg, we gave away too many chances. That wasn’t good. I didn’t talk to the team after the game against Sassuolo.
“All the players were disappointed but now we have to look ahead, although it’s clear that when you play a League match between two cup games, it becomes a bit more difficult, both physically and mentally. I think that’s why we gave a disappointing performance.
“The pitch seems good to me and I expect a good game at a welcoming stadium. There will be a great atmosphere.
“I think it was a mental issue, even though I made a lot of changes to the XI. Right now, those who have played a little less aren’t 100 percent.
“We’re pleased Giuntoli will stay on. It’s a sign that the club are going forward with their project.
“I’m less pleased that the club’s coffers will be less full now with his renewal, though! Milik will play after being rested on Sunday, but I still have to work out his partner.
“Salzburg press very well and high. They’re very aggressive, but if you cross their first barrier then you can have chances against them. We did that well in the first leg.
“We won’t change our attitude, but they’ll change theirs: they’ll be more unbalanced in attack.
“We’ll try to impose our game like we did in the first leg. As for those who have played less, I have no reason to be afraid: Chiriches and Luperto are reliable.”
The former Milan and Real Madrid boss was then asked about Lorenzo Insigne’s recent complaint that he was ‘always’ being criticised by fans.
“I read his outburst and I understood it,” he admitted.
“He feels a lot of responsibility and has become increasingly important for us over time.
“Perhaps he feels there is a different kind of attention on him than the others, but it’s normal for him to feel that way.”