Atalanta’s” data-scaytid=”1″>Atalanta’s German Denis has reflected on being Serie A’s leading goalscorer going into the weekend fixture against his former side Napoli.
Atalanta’s German Denis has reflected on being Serie A’s leading goalscorer going into the weekend fixture against his former side Napoli.
Talking to L’Eco di Bergamo ahead of his reunion with the Partenopei, 30-year-old Denis expressed his own surprise at topping the scoring charts before revealing what he feels is responsible for career-best form on Italian soil.
“I never expected to be top scorer in November. The credit must go to my companions. I’m not going to set a limit, I’m only thinking match by match.
“The title of Capacannoniere is still distant, my first thought is survival. We are quiet, the team is right, it’s an attacking style of play and I feel fine physically – all these things have created the Denis you see now.
“The secret is the group, the Coach, the club – we are a healthy team, we all pull in the same direction, are hungry and want to progress.
“I get on well with everyone – I have 30 years of experience and try to share it with my friends.
“In the future I’d like to be remembered for what I did in Bergamo. I do not think about the market, only Atalanta.”
Denis then intimated Atalanta’s optimism of facing Napoli on Saturday just days after they beat Manchester City in Europe.
“In the Champions League I saw a team that wanted to win at all costs. They will deal with only three days of rest and I think it will be better for us.
“We hope that the energy expended can weigh heavily on Saturday – they have put in a great effort, we hope they are tired.
“At home we are securing points, but we must respect them. We must also take advantage of our form at the moment. I expect a full stadium, we must start in the best way, in this type of game it gives you the right boost.”
Earlier this week, Denis had suggested he was not out for ‘revenge’ against his former employers, but did admit that scoring against them would be nice.
“I hope the team can win, then I am obviously happy if I can score – the victory would be a big one. To score against a former side is always nice, because one wants to prove that he was up to the team’s other players.
“You can prove to them that they were wrong, those who did not have enough faith. But I do not yet know if I will celebrate if I score.”