Stanislav Lobotka says ‘nobody expects Napoli to reach the Champions League Final and names Casemiro and Barcelona legend Xavi among his role models.
The Slovakia international released an exclusive interview with Il Corriere dello Sport going through his career at the Stadio Maradona so far.
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti and Italian media have compared the 28-year-old to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
“I know that comparisons have been made, but I am a different player,” said the midfielder.
“It’s great to be compared to Iniesta, but sometimes I’ve had the feeling there were many expectations, creating more pressure.”
So, who is his role model?
“Every player is different, but if I have to think about role models, I’ll go for Casemiro, but I also like Marcelo Brozovic and Ismael Bennacer in Serie A.”
And who was his idol as a child?
“Ronaldinho at Barcelona, then I grew up and started playing football with my characteristics. I was enchanted by Xavi and Iniesta, but also Marco Verratti and Luka Modric. If I have to name one, I’d say Xavi, perhaps for his role.”
Lobotka joined Napoli from Celta Vigo for €21m in January 2020, but initially struggled with playing time under Gennaro Gattuso.
“It’s not easy to explain. I didn’t play much and in February 2021 I had the first of two surgeries for tonsillitis. I had no longer trust in myself, and suddenly, I was sad,” admitted Lobotka who confirmed he wanted to leave the Partenopei.
“I did because anyone who is not playing regularly starts asking questions and could be tempted by new solutions,” he said.
“Some things are inevitable. I thought Gattuso wanted a different kind of player and there was no space for me. I had the idea of looking for a new club, then I lost weight, Spalletti arrived and a new history began.”
Now, the scenario has totally changed. He is a regular starter with Spalletti and Napoli are in talks to extend his contract, which expires in 2025.
“We are at a good point, we are in talks. Clearly, I want to stay, no doubts about it,” confirmed the midfielder.
The Partenopei are en route to winning the third Scudetto in history being 18 points above second-placed Inter in Serie A.
“The team’s personality emerged. We already knew Spalletti, but we’ve understood his playing style even more,” explained Lobotka.
“Now we are here, happy with what we are doing, but we are aware that the season is long and no distractions are allowed.”
On Wednesday, the Partenopei will host Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 after a 2-0 win in Germany last month.
“Everyone dreams of winning the Champions League, but it’d difficult. There are great clubs, but we have nothing to lose. We are not like Real Madrid. If we qualify for the quarter-finals and meet them, we know we can play on par. Nobody expects Napoli to reach the Final.”
His teammates Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are stealing the headlines. How do they compare to the best players in the world?
“Osimhen is among the top four strikers in the world along with Haaland, Lewandowski and Benzema. Kvara is among the top three wingers in the world with Vini Jr. and Mbappé.”