Kostas Manolas admits Napoli are struggling and need a good result against Lazio, but finds it “laughable when people say I’m not compatible with Kalidou Koulibaly.”
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We’ll give everything we’ve got to pick up points. It’s a very complicated time for Napoli, but the only way out is to get a positive result,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.
Kostas Manolas admits Napoli are struggling and need a good result against Lazio, but finds it “laughable when people say I’m not compatible with Kalidou Koulibaly.”
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We’ll give everything we’ve got to pick up points. It’s a very complicated time for Napoli, but the only way out is to get a positive result,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are 11 points away from the Champions League places and that is a lot. We’ve got to get back on our feet and start picking up fundamental points.
“Lazio are having an extraordinary season with a great coach like Simone Inzaghi. Ciro Immobile can’t stop scoring at the moment, though we’ll see at the final whistle what he has been able to do against us.”
Kalidou Koulibaly and Nikola Maksimovic are still out injured, so Giovanni Di Lorenzo is likely to again be moved over to centre-back rather than start Sebastiano Luperto.
When Manolas left Roma for Napoli over the summer, it was assumed he’d form the best central defensive partnership in Serie A with Koulibaly, but it hasn’t quite gelled yet.
“I find it laughable when people say I am not compatible with Koulibaly. They blame us, because they have to find someone to point the finger at.
“We’ve done very well in the Champions League, whereas we started the Serie A season not really knowing each other very well. I hope Kalidou returns soon, because he is fundamental for us.”
Napoli have already made one new signing in 2020, as Diego Demme is arriving from RB Leipzig.
“I don’t know him well, but I hope he can bring more balance to the midfield.”
Carlo Ancelotti was sacked a month ago to make way for Gennaro Gattuso, although the new coach has lost two of his three games in charge.
“He is a coach who gives his soul for the team and is very well-prepared. He certainly makes us work hard. The fans are right to feel frustrated at our performances and not having them cheer us on makes everything more complicated.”