Francesco Calzona insists Napoli‘s biggest problem is the ‘defensive phase’ and reveals he had warned his players they wouldn’t win against Frosinone if they didn’t change their attitude in the second half.
Calzona’s Napoli was held to a 2-2 draw by strugglers Frosinone at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday, so DAZN asked the Italian tactician if this meant the end of the Partenopei’s top-four hopes.
“I’ll say the same thing as two weeks ago. Of course, the more we go forward, the fewer chances we have. We had to win this game to remain in the race,” he replied.
“It would have given us enthusiasm. I am sorry. The stadium was sold out and people were supporting us. I am sorry for them, too.”
The Stadio Maradona was sold out, but the atmosphere turned toxic after the final whistle when Napoli players were booed.
“We are dangerous when we have possession; the problem is in defence, as we are too fragile,” continued Calzona.
“The biggest problem is that we don’t see the danger arrive. We struggle to track back as a unit and don’t block passing lanes. It’s not the defenders’ fault. We defend with five players in the middle to close the space, but we don’t do it well.
“What upsets me the most is that we don’t perceive the danger when we lose possession.
“We’ve been working on this for two weeks. Evidently, it’s not enough. Frosinone has scored many goals this season, they create a lot, and they have an excellent coach.”
Contrary to his players, Calzona smelled the danger and warned them during the game.
“I hoped to break the deadlock early but have better management. I sensed that winning the game would have been difficult, and I told the lads during the break, but it wasn’t enough.
“I told the guys that we must try to win games, even 1-0, and try to be more solid. I was happy with the work we had done during the week. I knew we could struggle today against a team that has many solutions. After the first goal, I didn’t like the management. I felt we would not win, and it happened.”
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis visited the team during the week. What did he tell Calzona?
“I often talk to the President. He’s very nice to me, and we are on good terms,” said the coach.
“He used appropriate words with the team and I have an excellent relationship with him. We are the problem; we must do more, and now we have all the conditions to do well. Now, it’s up to us to improve because we have the fans’ support. There were over 50,000 people today. If they believe in it, I don’t see why we shouldn’t.”
Will Calzona leave Napoli at the end of his contract in June?
“I have a contract with the Slovakian Federation and an agreement with Napoli for these months, and I want to do my best here,” said the 55-year-old.
“It’s my fifth season here, across three spells, so Naples is my home. I just want to do well, and I don’t want to think about anything else. Of course, Napoli are a top side, and they must make the best decisions for them.”
Napoli sit eighth in the Serie A table, level on 59 points with Lazio and one below 6th-placed Atalanta, but La Dea have two games in hand.
I wish instead of talking and warning he did something about the poor defense.
For example, he could have tried some changes in the starting lineup.
Seems a strange statement for the manager to make. If they have been working on the defence for a few wks it dosent look like its had much affect. Also it wouldnt inspire you with confidence going forward.