Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong warns that Kvicha Kvaratskhelia ‘is the one to look out for’ in the Napoli squad in tomorrow’s Champions League clash, but is not concerned at the change of coach.
The first leg in the Round of 16 kicks off on Wednesday at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 20.00 GMT.
Victor Osimhen is back in the squad for the first time since taking Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations Final, but returned to find their third coach of the season.
After Rudi Garcia, the Partenopei also sacked Walter Mazzarri yesterday to appoint Francesco Calzona, who also remains the manager of the Slovakia national team.
“We prepare every game well, not just these ones. The staff will show us everything and we’ll be ready,” assured De Jong in his press conference when asked if it is more complicated planning following this sudden change.
Although Osimhen is available again, De Jong has his eye squarely on Napoli’s Georgia international.
“Kvaratskhelia is of a very high level, he makes the difference. He’s got it all, ability to take men on, score goals, provide the final pass. He is the one to look out for tomorrow.”
Napoli are struggling badly in Serie A and might not be able to qualify for Europe at all, let alone the Champions League.
“They still have a very strong squad with quality players, don’t forget they are the Champions of Italy. They ae struggling more this season, but still reached the Champions League Round of 16, so it will certainly be a difficult game.”
De Jong spent much of the press conference in Naples attacking the Spanish media, particularly Mundo Deportivo, accusing them of “making up lies” about his salary, transfer status and future at Barcelona.
“The truth is I am a bit angry at what has been happening lately and everything the media has been writing. Many things have been said that are not true and I don’t understand why, nor why you are not ashamed to be making it up. It is really starting to irritate me.”
🚨🧨 Frenkie de Jong on recent reports about plans to leave Barça: “There are lot of fake news on the press. Some of you should feel ashamed, this has to stop”.
“People invented numbers of my salary”.
“I’m very happy at Barça, I hope to stay here for many years”. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/hHsKdQCcZo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 20, 2024