Maurizio Sarri believes that Napoli are up against 'one of the best teams in Europe' in Villareal.
The Coach is looking to set up a strong defence tomorrow at 20:05 GMT to avoid conceding any more goals, after losing the first leg 1-0.
“The defensive phase will be fundamental in this game, while in the attack we'll have to be sharp and patient,” Sarri told the Press. “We're hoping the conversion rate will be a bit better than in the last few games.
Maurizio Sarri believes that Napoli are up against 'one of the best teams in Europe' in Villareal.
The Coach is looking to set up a strong defence tomorrow at 20:05 GMT to avoid conceding any more goals, after losing the first leg 1-0.
“The defensive phase will be fundamental in this game, while in the attack we'll have to be sharp and patient,” Sarri told the Press. “We're hoping the conversion rate will be a bit better than in the last few games.
“We must play a normal game, without letting the issue of the comeback condition us, otherwise we'll get nervous after 20 minutes.
“We'll have to attack, but at the same time we have to be compact and not allow for any counters. We'll have to be aware of what we're doing and not give the ball away, because they can counter well with speed and technique.
“[Marek] Hamsik? Physically his numbers are the best of anyone who played against Milan.
“As for [Gonzalo] Higuain, I hear the most absurd things. People say he's in trouble because he hasn't scored in seven days. Tomorrow it'll be his decision to make whether he plays or not.”
Sarri was then asked about his alternating wingers, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens.
“They both play better on the left. When they're on the right, they feel affected by that. Insigne showed real growth in the defensive phase, he gives us better balance.
“Mertens can resolve a one-on-one by going for a cross, and not just by dribbling towards the middle. In some games they can play together.”
Sarri was then asked what he liked the least of Napoli's recent games.
“The result. Other than that I wouldn't change anything. We can draw conclusions at the end, but I have no regrets over my decisions.
“[Manolo] Gabbiadini can work in the role of [Jose] Callejon. It isn't easy for us, unless it's at the end of the game. We tried an alternative solution with Higuain to get more people in the box, but when we did, Milan got three shots.
“In the first leg the turnover players were good. We must bear in mind that right now Villareal are among the teams in the best condition of those in Europe. The great Spanish teams lost on their pitch.
“It's a tough draw, but I'm not worried about who I'll be fielding.”