Gennaro Gattuso is stepping up the changes at Napoli ahead of a trip to Sassuolo and congratulates Carlo Ancelotti on the Everton job. “I do things differently.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The new coach lost his debut after replacing Everton-bound Carlo Ancelotti, 2-1 at home to Parma, and now faces a very tricky trip to the Mapei Stadium.
Gennaro Gattuso is stepping up the changes at Napoli ahead of a trip to Sassuolo and congratulates Carlo Ancelotti on the Everton job. “I do things differently.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The new coach lost his debut after replacing Everton-bound Carlo Ancelotti, 2-1 at home to Parma, and now faces a very tricky trip to the Mapei Stadium.
“I saw a team that handed itself over to me and my staff, so we’ve been working really hard,” said Gattuso in his press conference.
“We have our philosophy and want to get back to doing what Napoli did for many years with a different system. I heard people say this is the last chance saloon, but that doesn’t exist in sport, we just have to get the players back on track mentally.
“The performances in the Champions League against Liverpool and RB Salzburg weren’t two years ago, they were recent, so we have to shake off that anxiety, play with freedom, a different style and enjoy our football again.
“I am not afraid and nobody here should think about fear. I am here to give a sense of calm. We’ve got to focus on each game and not look at the standings, not think that if our initial pressing fails then we’ll definitely concede.
“Sassuolo are a strong team with talented young players and a coach in Roberto De Zerbi who likes to see quality football. I want to see balance, organisation and for Napoli not to get panicked when there are setbacks.”
Gattuso explained more about what he wants to see from Napoli and how his team will differ from Ancelotti’s 4-4-2.
“I want a 4-3-3, passing it out from the back and setting up the trident in attack. I want us to keep hold of the ball more, so we suffer less under pressure.
“The second half against Parma was better, but I didn’t like the preventative marking or the reading of the goal incidents. I expect a team with organisation that knows how to move and go towards the opposition.
“The only way I know how to work is to get into the heads of my players. I am sure that I annoy some players, but the important thing is to see professionalism on the field. I was a player myself, so I know that anything can happen off the pitch, but on it, I let nothing slide.”
At the same time, Gattuso is also protective of his players after they were jeered by the fans.
“This team has given so much, lads like Lorenzo Insigne, Arek Milik and Jose Callejon are criticised, but they need our affection. The team doesn’t need to hear jeers from the crowd and I hope the fans understand that.
“In the current climate, it’s as if the football is on fire and they don’t want to be on it for too long, that’s what the pressure does to you. They need support from the stands.
“We can’t do everything in 10 days, but I am already seeing developments in training. What we need now is to put together a series of good performances.
“I have a different training method to Ancelotti, as I like to work at high intensity. The team initially struggled, but that’s because they’re not used to it. On a muscular level, there is always going to be a few issues, but I want things done differently.”
Ancelotti was today formally appointed as the new manager of Everton.
“I had no doubts Carlo would find another club straight away, someone of his experience and record,” smiled Gattuso.
“I will call him to congratulate him on the new job. I shared many moments with Carlo and wish him all the best.”
Contract renegotiations are continuing with several key Napoli players, including Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon, Piotr Zielinski and Allan.
“I hope with all my heart our players will sign new contracts, because there are few out there better than them.”