Gokhan Inler says Napoli's strength against Trabzonspor will be their ‘unity as a group’, whilst he plays down previous links to Besiktas.
The Partenopei will face Trabzonspor tomorrow evening in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32, and the visitors’ 30-year-old midfielder of Turkish descent previewed the test.
“Both teams want to win and make it to the next round,” Inler has said in today's Press conference. “But we are focused.
Gokhan Inler says Napoli's strength against Trabzonspor will be their ‘unity as a group’, whilst he plays down previous links to Besiktas.
The Partenopei will face Trabzonspor tomorrow evening in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32, and the visitors’ 30-year-old midfielder of Turkish descent previewed the test.
“Both teams want to win and make it to the next round,” Inler has said in today's Press conference. “But we are focused.
“Turkish clubs like Besiktas showed an interest in me recently? I don't care, I'm focused on the match and that alone.
“I've known the Turkish supporters since I was a child and I know the atmosphere is going to be heated, but I'm not intimidated by that. In fact I like it.
“I am chilled and professional as always, everything else is not my problem.”
Inler has been linked with interest from Turkish clubs due to his lack of regular playing time under Rafa Benitez.
“Benitez always decides who plays and I learnt from him that those who get less playing time must nonetheless be ready when their time comes.
“It's very important to be united as a group. We're all happy, even when we're in competition with each other.
“That's when you have to prove that you're up to the challenge.
“This is our strength. I've known Benitez for a year-and-a-half and it's important to understand what he wants.
“We have many beautiful things to do together.”
Napoli lost 3-1 to Palermo last Saturday, but Inler maintains they're still going to go into the next game with a view to win.
“That's what we always do. Tomorrow we will be ready.
“Besides, it's good that we can play every four or five days, so we can show what level we're at.
“I'm glad to always be giving 100 per cent.
“Scoring against Villarreal and Chelsea are my dearest memories in international competition with Napoli, even though we didn't beat them.
“The European competitions are good because we can showcase our level.
“We have many games to play and we want to progress in the Europa League, for me it's extremely important and I'm happy to still be here.
“We play like we know. I like playing with two central midfielders, that's what I did in the national team too.
“And Benitez always explains the right movements on the pitch. I have no problems and I know where to play.”
Finally, Inler was asked whether it would be harder to reach second place in Serie A or the Europa League Final.
“We'll look at things one match at a time, that's how we keep going. Though it's obvious that we want to go ahead in both competitions."