Giovanni Simeone called Napoli’s Champions League group stage result ‘a dream’ and underlined the team’s ambitions in the tournament.
Luciano Spalletti’s side finished top of Group A with 15 points, ahead of second place Liverpool on goal difference. The Partenopei are one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe this season and are in serious contention to win their first league title in over three decades, when Diego Maradona lifted the trophy.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Simeone first reflected on Napoli’s work in the Champions League this season and their first place finish in Group A.
“For me it was an incredible emotion, especially the first game, which was the realisation of the dream I had as a child and fought for.
“From there we grew with every game and we showed that this is what Napoli are and they have this identity. We must continue on this path, believing in what we are doing and continuing on this very beautiful path.”
The Argentinian striker looked ahead to the upcoming Champions League Round of 16 draw.
“It will be nice to see, to understand who can draw you. But all the teams that are left are the strongest. PSG, Borussia Dortmund are strong teams, capable of fighting with anyone.
“We hope to do well and fight to win them all. Whichever team draws us, we will be ready to show what kind of team Napoli are and show who we are.”
He commented on the impressive work of Napoli’s full backs this season.
“Mario Rui has incredible quality and vision. When a player, especially a full-back, has time to stop and see the movement of the attacker, it becomes easier for a striker. Look at the first goal against Rangers, it was Di Lorenzo who made that pass.
“In this team, in big teams that want to get to the top, you need strong full-backs. Full-backs who know how to play, who know how to cross, who know how to build up.
“Today the full-backs are the ones who make the most difference on the pitch and we have great full-backs. This is very important for us.”
Simeone underlined the importance of the upcoming game against Atalanta.
“For me it’s very important. I think it makes a lot of difference with these three points, even though the season is long and we have to stay calm. Every game matters, every time the three points are very important.
“But this path is long, against anyone it’s the three points that count and to show that we are always there. For me it’s very important to make others understand that Napoli are what we’ve seen so far.”
He looked ahead to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar and if he’s been thinking about it.
“I always prepare for the next game. I’ve done everything I can to make the coach understand that I want to be there, but it’s up to him to decide the squad that will go to the World Cup.
“I’ve had this agenda for a year, a year and a half, and it helps me a lot to prepare, to see every situation I have to do. That’s how I train and improve myself, also by watching other players and other teams.”
The 27-year-old discussed his dream of playing for Argentina at the World Cup.
“I would love to. Since I started scoring last year, I’ve been looking forward to the national team. I know that everything I do is a chance to show the coach that I want to be there, that I am ready for any situation. But it’s the coach who chooses, or I just want to show that I’m ready.”
He touched on the advice he receives from his father Diego Simeone.
“He hasn’t given me advice for years. With this thing of having someone like dad being a coach, you have to understand that he is my father first.
“Whenever we talk it’s inevitable to talk about football, but we never talk about what I should do, because he has always respected the coaching I had and have. He has always seen me with respect to how I move, he says that body language is important.
“When he sees me on TV, he says ‘See, here in my opinion you’re not good because you have something in your head’. And there we talk. But he always left room for my coach to make me improve.”
Finally, Simeone discussed his childhood dreams.
“As a child I always wanted to be here, imagine for me now how I am living everything, with so much emotion, with so much desire. I want to get stronger and stronger and I have other dreams, I dream big because I have no limits.”