Napoli full-back Mario Rui praises Gennaro Gattuso for his man-management and believes they can still upset Barcelona in the Champions League.
Serie A training ought to resume on May 18, but there are talks to get that moved up to May 4 with social distancing in training grounds.
“I miss football, but we must all make sacrifices to get back out there as soon as possible,” the Portugal international told Radio Kiss Kiss.
Napoli full-back Mario Rui praises Gennaro Gattuso for his man-management and believes they can still upset Barcelona in the Champions League.
Serie A training ought to resume on May 18, but there are talks to get that moved up to May 4 with social distancing in training grounds.
“I miss football, but we must all make sacrifices to get back out there as soon as possible,” the Portugal international told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“We had been doing much better before the lockdown, as apart from the disappointing defeat with Lecce, the results had been positive. The team was playing the way our fans wanted, we were enjoying ourselves and I think you could tell.
“I personally didn’t start well at Napoli, but with hard work and the desire to prove myself, I showed that I can be of value here. I am happy and grateful that the fans supported me.”
Napoli started the season under Carlo Ancelotti and brought in Gattuso in December, hours after securing a place in the Champions League Round of 16.
“Gattuso did very well in creating a rapport with the team, taking nothing away from Ancelotti. Gattuso wants to hear from us all the time, to make sure we are training hard and eating well. He calls just to hear how your family is doing.
“We keep in touch with teammates via videocalls and that’s a lovely time of the day.”
The Champions League is expected to resume in August and Napoli drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the first leg.
“We know it’ll be a very difficult match, we are up against one of the best teams in the world, but we know nothing can be taken for granted in football and everything is possible. There could be some surprises.
“We’re still in the running on three fronts, as we’re also in the Coppa Italia semi-final and we can aim to win that trophy.”