Rudi Garcia says Napoli want to beat Union Berlin to make up for the points dropped against Real Madrid. However, the coach insists he's not reading too much into the form book, despite the hosts going into the game on an eight-match losing streak.
“We know that Union Berlin haven't had a great time of things lately but they had an excellent campaign last time out and deserved their place in the Champions League,” Garcia told the gathered media on the eve of the Matchday 3 fixture. “They're having a tough time at the moment but we know what a good side they are. They have excellent players including some international names.
“We're up for this game. As a coach you don't need to fire your team up for this kind of game – they're motivated enough by the occasion itself.
“We need to make up for the points we lost against Real Madrid and we'll try to do that tomorrow.”
There were signs of real team unity against Verona. Was that pleasing to see?
“It wasn't only in Verona where we saw that team unity. We've always had a united dressing room. We haven't always got the results we wanted everyone has been focused and committed to the cause
“It was important to get three points at the Bentegodi but we need to build on that now. We must read the game carefully tomorrow and play with the same intensity we had on Saturday.”
Do you have any selection doubts going into this game?
“No, I don't have any doubts for tomorrow. I have the team in mind but we'll wait and see because I still have to sleep on it. The most important thing for me is the lads are well and ready for the game.
“We've come here to win. We have a lot of respect for Union Berlin and we know there are pitfalls in every Champions League game. That's why I expect to see the right mentality and a big performance.”
Around 1000 Napoli fans are expected at the Olympiastadion.
“Our fans got behind us in Verona too and it was fantastic. We know there'll be a big crowd of them here in Berlin and we'll try to give them the joy they deserve for all the sacrifices they make following us around.”
Do you think these two games against Berlin could decide who qualifies from the group?
“They're two very important matches for the group. It's like having a home and an away leg but for now we just have to think about the match tomorrow because we need to make a good start and try to come away with the three points. It'll be a tough game and we must be very careful because our opponents will be really up for it too.”
