Slovan Bratislava Coach Frantisek Straka said it is “a great honour” to play Napoli and Marek Hamsik will receive a warm welcome.
Slovan Bratislava Coach Frantisek Straka said it is “a great honour” to play Napoli and Marek Hamsik will receive a warm welcome.
The Partenopei visit Slovakia in the Europa League on Thursday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT).
“It is a great honour for us to play against Napoli,” said Straka in his Press conference.
“The situation has already become difficult for us after the first round. It’s not an easy time for our team and I hope this match can prompt us to play with the maximum determination. Our fans will help us and we must remain united.”
Slovan Bratislava began their Group I campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Swiss side Young Boys, while Napoli fought back from a goal down to beat Sparta Prague 3-1.
However, like Napoli, Slovan were also knocked out of the Champions League preliminary round.
“It was a heavier blow for them than us, as playing in the biggest European competition would’ve represented a dream for us. At the same time, that preliminary round and our subsequent League games showed us our limitations.
“This must be a party for us, as we are hosting one of the biggest clubs in Europe. We must concentrate on their strengths to annul the main dangers such as Callejon, Mertens, Hamsik and Koulibaly.”
It will be a special game for Slovakia international Hamsik, who’ll be playing on home turf.
“We are talking about an extraordinary player and not everyone rises up to become captain of Napoli,” noted Coach Straka.
“He represents an example for us in Slovakia and the possibility of reaching the top level in football. You just need to look my players in the eye to know how eagerly they are waiting for tomorrow’s game.”