Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri says the team just need to focus on winning as many games as possible, rather than looking at the league table. The Partenopei sit 9th in the Serie A table following a disappointing run of form that has seen them struggle in front of goal. Speaking ahead of the match with Genoa, Mazzarri confirmed that he is waiting to assess Victor Osimhen’s condition before making a judgement on his inclusion and also offered an update on the condition of his injured players:
“I’ve never made tables; we just need to focus on winning as many games as possible. We’re all available, and we’re more confident about achieving victories. Seven points are many, but it also depends on what we do. Several teams ahead of us in the standings will have to come to Naples, and our fans will give us a hand. I’ve always heard from Osimhen, even during the Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking with him, I’ll understand his condition. He underwent tough competition and a tough journey; I want to understand how he is. The last time he arrived, he was shattered; then there are teammates who have always trained and deserve respect. He has played many games and traveled halfway around the world; he may not be in the ideal condition.”
The Napoli coach continued by discussing tactics: “The latest theories from the innovators at Coverciano are those that, to avoid giving advantages to opponents, involve changing the formation from week to week. I’ve managed to teach the players three formations: the 4-3-3, the 3-4-3, and the 3-5-2. Lately, Kvaratskhelia had more difficulty getting free; three players were covering him. We will adapt according to the situation; the players are capable of doing it. Against Milan, we played an excellent game; there was only one mistake.”
On recovering points in the standings: “You recover by winning games and hoping for slip-ups from others. There are forty-five points up for grabs until the end of the season, and we will try our best. The players are suffering from this moment. We fought in all the matches; the only wrong one, my responsibility, was the one against Torino. We just have to think about Genoa; I haven’t spoken to anyone from Barcelona. Zielinski? He’s always the same, knows the environment well. We all know he probably won’t be here anymore. If the focus is on something else, it’s difficult for the performances to be of a high level as in the past. We will be the ones to make the evaluations.”
Mazzarri also addressed Genoa and criticism: “I foresee a tough match. In twenty-three years of coaching, I don’t consider what others say anymore. I don’t look at anything; I’ve learned that reading certain things makes you nervous; certain people are repressed and would like to return. I just want to get the best out of these players. Traorè? He has grown; he had a mini-preparation and has decent playing time. It’s time to try him; I have to understand whether to play him immediately or later. Sometimes we lack clarity in front of goal. As for Meret, I can say he has trained regularly. Based on what I see, we will make a decision. Lindstrom still needs to find his place in this league; in my opinion, his ideal role would be that of Kvaratskhelia. We are champions of Italy; everyone comes to Naples to achieve something remarkable.”
