Coach Maurizio Sarri believes the contrast in Napoli’s form between Serie A and the Champions League is “about motivation”.
The Partenopei have won their first two games in Europe this season, but are coming into tomorrow’s Benfica game on the back of consecutive League defeats.
“We find great motivation in Europe, and there could be a sense of contentment in the League,” Sarri noted in his pre-match Press conference.
Coach Maurizio Sarri believes the contrast in Napoli’s form between Serie A and the Champions League is “about motivation”.
The Partenopei have won their first two games in Europe this season, but are coming into tomorrow’s Benfica game on the back of consecutive League defeats.
“We find great motivation in Europe, and there could be a sense of contentment in the League,” Sarri noted in his pre-match Press conference.
“I don’t think there are naive teams in Europe who don’t study Napoli, it’s about motivation, a problem that must be addressed.
“So the Champions League removes some of the motivation in the League? I think that’s true for everyone, then there are teams with more experienced players who deal with it better.
“We have six or seven players who are beginners, but I think it takes a lot out of everyone.
“Besiktas? They were always in the game against Benfica, and they deserved something more against Dynamo Kiev.
“They’re mentally strong and they’ll be a difficult team to face. We need a Napoli which has enthusiasm, clarity and plays with application, without tactical and individual mistakes.
“We’ll need that, because Besiktas have that ability to stay in the game, it’s never lost for them.”
Sarri was then asked if he’d change from his usual 4-3-3 formation for the game tomorrow.
“One of my Coaches used to tell me that people who speak about formations don’t know anything about football.
“We’ve already played with Marek [Hamsik] between the lines, then with the forwards between the lines. Maybe you can also change too much, causing you to lose the certainties of the team.”
Is it irritating that when Napoli lose, the questions about Amadou Diawara and Marko Rog’s lack of space come up?
“No, because I don’t listen to them!” Sarri laughed.
“If those who don’t see a single training session want to give me advice… I can only make my evaluations, the criticism leaves me indifferent.
“[Paulo] Dybala, who was already in Italy, didn’t play in Turin [for Juventus] until November yet it’s a problem if Rog, who is coming from another world, isn’t ready in 20 days?”