Napoli’s Marek Hamsik admits the club’s upcoming Champions League play-off tie could shape their season.
The Partenopei must come through a two legged tie later this month if they are to reach the Group Stage of Europe’s premier club competition once again.
“From August 19 we will need to be serious,” Hamsik said to Corriere Dello Sport.
Napoli’s Marek Hamsik admits the club’s upcoming Champions League play-off tie could shape their season.
The Partenopei must come through a two legged tie later this month if they are to reach the Group Stage of Europe’s premier club competition once again.
“From August 19 we will need to be serious,” Hamsik said to Corriere Dello Sport.
“Those two matches can shape a season, because it’s true that the Champions League provides a different dimension to the club, the city and to us players.
“It would be simply fantastic to obtain qualification for the third time, it would be symbolic of the work done by the club during the De Laurentiis era.”
Hamsik, by his own admission, did not enjoy the best of seasons last time out but moved to deny reports that he did not feel suited to Rafa Benitez’s preferred formation.
“It’s a false issue that never existed. I have never shown dissatisfaction of that sort, although I don’t hide that there have been moments when I didn’t feel myself.
“Eight years here at Napoli behind me represent a real personal asset. Here I have grown up and become a man.
“I am proud of what I have done and of what we will do together in a city that has become very dear to me.”