The thoughts from the coach in London: It will be a tough match but not decisive, qualification will be decided at the San Paolo
Carlo Ancelotti has said his players are ready for Thursday’s match at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal but believes the crucial fixture is the return leg in Naples.
We are ready for tomorrow’s match, the head coach said from the conference room before his team trained for the final time before tomorrow’s game. It will be tough but not decisive.
How have you prepared the game from a tactical point of view?
Any team needs to know exactly what to do, both when defending and attacking. I believe the key is clarity. The clearer you are on how you need to play, the more confidence you’ll have. We need to know exactly what to do tomorrow.
Have the last two league games brought some bad feeling into the atmosphere?
I don’t know what atmosphere you’re talking about. In my atmosphere, or rather in Napoli’s, there is no bad feeling. There may be disappointment and an awareness that in our last two games we weren’t brilliant, but nine days ago we beat Roma.
To judge things properly you need to consider the whole season and so far the team has shown reliability and confidence. I am not worried about the last two performances but I am certain that if we focus well on our strategy, we’ll perform well tomorrow on the pitch.
You spoke about a problem in defence after the game against Genoa. Will we see a more restrained Napoli tomorrow?
We must defend better, that’s for sure, but that doesn’t mean playing defensively. We need to do both aspects well. I’m convinced that when you defend well, you attack better.
Will tomorrow’s result be decisive for qualification?
No. Tomorrow can affect the outcome of the tie at the San Paolo. We’re playing the second leg at home and qualification will be decided in Naples. This is for sure.
What do you think has changed from Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal to Unai Emery’s?
To start with, we’re talking about a hugely prestigious club and we’re honoured to play in a quarter final against such a renowned team as Arsenal. Emery is more of a specialist in this competition than me and certainly that brings more difficulties for us. However, once again, we’re ready for the match. If we weren’t ready we wouldn’t be here.
Did you thinking about taking the squad away on a training camp after the last two games?
To whomever says I need to be tougher on my players, I’d tell that to mind their own business. I know how to manage the squad because this is my team and this is my job.
