Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli thanks Jurgen Klopp for suggesting they will be Champions League finalists, but warns they ‘need to keep our feet on the ground. Too many compliments make us soft.’
It kicks off at 20.00 GMT.
Both teams have already booked their place in the Champions League Round of 16, so the Partenopei can only miss out on top spot if they lose by four clear goals this evening, having beaten Liverpool 4-1 in September.
“As the coach said, too many compliments make us soft, so we must focus on continuing our progress, keeping our feet on the ground and working every day. We’ll see what we can do this evening,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said in his press conference that Napoli are candidates to reach the Champions League Final this season.
“It would be fantastic, but right now we need to keep our feet on the ground. This is a very difficult test. We have all the determination and hunger required.
“We always play to take the initiative, to attack and control the game, so if we can do that at Anfield against Liverpool, that will give us a real confidence boost.
“We are pleased that they are giving us such consideration, but we are not the favourites tonight. Liverpool are a great side and we want to see where we can get to.”
There are vast differences in the costs of putting these teams together, especially their salaries, as the total Napoli wage bill is circa €70m gross, compared to roughly €260m for Liverpool.
“The work from everyone including the President has allowed us to get through the COVID period and work calmly. We thank the coach too, the staff and lads, who are I won’t say going beyond their capabilities, but are certainly giving their all.”
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly said in an interview that Napoli shook off the weight of their big players, who made the others feel protected, and that freed them to feel even more ambitious.
“I don’t know, I don’t like to make comparisons and talk about the past. They were and are great champions who deserve our thanks, but are focused on those who are here and this new path. We’ve started well, but it is too early to make conclusions.
“We need to be calm, focused and look forward with optimism.”