Dries Mertens reveals Napoli were ‘not inferior’ to Milan and Inter in the Scudetto race, so must focus on the future, which President Aurelio De Laurentiis hints includes the Belgian.

He scored twice in this afternoon’s 6-1 thrashing of Sassuolo, to consolidate third place and get back on track after their dismal recent results, including the 3-2 defeat to Empoli.

Serie A | Napoli 6-1 Sassuolo: Hit for six

“The whole team is disappointed, because in my nine years of being here, this was the most disappointing,” Mertens told DAZN.

“We had 91 points and still didn’t win the Scudetto in other years, but this time we really didn’t feel the other teams were stronger.

“On the other hand, sides like Juventus, Roma, Lazio and Atalanta are behind us. It’s a pity we are in third, but if we can get into the Champions League, then we can build to challenge again next term. I think next season we can really go for it, but only if our minds are in the right place.

“It’s not just a message for the players, but also the fans, the media, everyone. We all made mistakes, we all wanted to win too, but this is a passionate city and we need to stick together through thick and thin. I know it’s a bad moment, but we are heading for the Champions League, we can build and do great things in the future, together.”

Does that mean Mertens will be part of the Napoli squad next season too?

“Even if it is not with me, there are great players and we need to focus on the future of Napoli. I saw the other teams, Juve were for many years just too strong, but this season, I don’t think we were inferior to the others.

“If I do well, it helps the team. I didn’t play much this season, but when I did play, I gave my all to help the team. If we all do that, we will go far.”

Mertens is reportedly negotiating a massive pay cut to stay at Napoli for one more year, rather than activate a simple extension of his current deal.

President De Laurentiis hinted as much by posting a photograph of him standing by Mertens and baby son Ciro Romeo, in his own personalised Napoli jersey.

“For now, I’ve made a contract with Ciro Romeo…”

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