Barcelona coach Quique Setien says he expects “the best Napoli” and was full of praise for his former player Fabian Ruiz.
Setien’s side are in Naples to face Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, and the Barca coach says he expects a difficult challenge from the Partenopei.
“We have to expect the best version of Napoli, in these games teams give their all,” said Setien in his pre-game press conference.
Barcelona coach Quique Setien says he expects “the best Napoli” and was full of praise for his former player Fabian Ruiz.
Setien’s side are in Naples to face Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, and the Barca coach says he expects a difficult challenge from the Partenopei.
“We have to expect the best version of Napoli, in these games teams give their all,” said Setien in his pre-game press conference.
“Tomorrow will be a difficult game for both sides, it will be played face-to-face. We have seen what they are capable of, and not only in the Champions League.
“They have overcome rivals with greater resources and tomorrow they will produce a great display.”
Setien was in charge of Real Betis for two seasons and worked with current Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, so is he looking forward to a reunion with him?
“He’s a player that I view with great affection and he has developed greatly. I am pleased for him.
“I hope that tomorrow he will not play with all of his qualities. But I am very pleased to see him score [against Brescia], not only is he a great player but also a very humble boy and a beautiful person.”
Setien was asked on how he sees Napoli under Rino Gattuso.
“I always give a lot of value to the players, it is they who make the difference. If they are in a good moment they can solve everything and Napoli have extraordinary players.
“They always have a game plan that is very clear. Gattuso always wants them to come out from the back and he has players who connect well.
“Napoli have very good players and also in the defensive phase they are strong, so we will have to be very careful.”
Lionel Messi will play in the Stadio San Paolo tomorrow, the backyard of Diego Maradona, for the first time.
“The two players cannot be compared. Leo is a great player, and has played for the last 14-15 years at a high level, and this is the difference with the rest of the players at his level.
“The difference is this, we have never seen a player with his consistency. After many years he continues to play games like the previous one.
“I really liked Maradona, as a player he fascinated us…”