Rudi Garcia wants Napoli to ‘get the points’ they lost against Real Madrid at the Stadio Maradona: ‘I have the line-up in mind.’
The Partenopei collected three points in the opening two Champions League group stage games winning to Braga away and losing to Real Madrid at the Stadio Maradona two weeks ago.
Tomorrow, they visit Union Berlin in the third group-stage game this season.
“I think we are ready. When it comes to Champions League games, a coach does not need to motivate his players,” Garcia said at a press conference as quoted by TMW.
“It’s a great competition and it’s amazing to be involved. We started well with a win at Braga and we played an excellent game against Real Madrid although we lost. Tomorrow’s target is to get the points we lost against Madrid.
“I don’t have many doubts, I have the line-up in mind, but the night brings counsel. What matters is that everyone feels well.”
Garcia said before Saturday’s Serie A game against Hellas Verona that he had felt disrespected during the break. The French coach was under fire after losing a home game against Fiorentina before the international break and there were rumours President Aurelio De Laurentiis was ready to replace him with Antonio Conte.
“Judgements must be balanced. We are not doing all things right, but we are not getting everything wrong either,” insisted Garcia.
“Our target is to win tomorrow. We must respect Union because they deserve to play in the Champions League.”
Napoli and Garcia will reunite with former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci who signed a one-year deal with Union Berlin last summer, joining the Bundesliga side on a free transfer from Juventus.
“Bonucci is a great player. He was part of Juventus when they dominated Italian football,” said the Napoli coach.
“I tried to fight against this when I was at Roma, but Bonucci did really well with other defenders and Buffon for Italy and Juventus.”
Circa 3,400 Napoli fans will travel to Berlin to support the Partenopei on Tuesday.
“I’ve read that many who were in Verona will come to Berlin too. It’s a financial sacrifice to support the team and I really respect them,” concluded Garcia.