Walter Mazzarri has called on the Napoli faithful to get behind the team and help them climb back up the table.
The coach, who was speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's home game against Genoa, also commented on the return of Victor Osimhen as well as the contribution of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Hamed Traore and Jesper Lindstrom, among other topics.
Find out what the boss had to say...
Will Victor Osimhen play tomorrow?
"I'll talk to him in training this afternoon. We'll see how he looks and then decide whether he might be involved for at least part of the game. As the coach, I also have to respect the lads who have been here training every day. But Victor is a world-class striker who brings lots of quality to the team.”
Have you worked out the permutations for how you can make up the gap with fourth place?
“I've never worked out permutations in all my life. My only thought right now is trying to win as many games as possible but we'll take each one as it comes. We're totally focused on tomorrow – we're not thinking about the Champions League or anything else other than this game against Genoa.
“We finally have everyone back so we're confident we can climb the table. We have several six-pointers to play at home and we'll try to leverage the strength and support of our fans.”
You've toyed with different tactics in recent matches. What formation are you thinking of using going forward?
“I told you a while back that having had three full weeks to work, the lads have been able to take on three formations: 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2. Depending on the tactical situation we have to face, we can use different solutions.
“The biggest change was with Kvara's position. Everyone kept saying he should play closer to goal so that he doesn't have opponents doubling up on him. We're doing that and seeing good results.”
How do you respond to the criticism levelled at you after the match at San Siro?
“I always discern the type of criticism. Some of it comes from people who are frustrated and I ignore that. Then there's constructive criticism, which is the sort you can talk about. Personally I thought we played well at San Siro. In any case, after all these years I think I'm thick-skinned enough to go down my own route.
“I'd ask you to listen to the comments during the first half an hour when we were playing our game. Then unfortunately we conceded because of mistakes we made – which I don't want to go into in public – and that changed opinions about our performance.
“Some people might forget that we got into the area numerous times and we were just lacking the killer blow. I'd also like to point at that we created chances in both halves, so with both formations. I think we deserved more, even before hitting the woodwork at the end.”
How do you close the gap in the league table?
“The only way to do that is by winning. There are 45 points to play for and that's plenty to make up seven points. We'll try to get back up there. Trying doesn't mean we'll necessarily succeed but we're certainly capable of it and it's our duty to try. We'll see where it takes us come the end of the campaign. One thing's for sure: the players are utterly determined to bounce back and they're all going to step up and give everything until the end.”
What are the biggest dangers awaiting you tomorrow?
“Genoa is a difficult match but then there are dangers in every game. We'll have 50,000 fans tomorrow and I want to ask them to get behind us for the full 95 minutes. We want to get back to winning ways and we'll be up against a well-drilled unit that also has some top-class individuals.”
Will Hamed Traore make his debut?
“Traore doesn't have 90 minutes in him yet but it's time for him to play part of the game because we want to see his progress after completing a customised mini-pre-season.
“He can play on the left of a midfield or in the hole behind the striker. I've known him since he was a lad and I know what he can offer us on the pitch.”
How is Jesper Lindstrom coming along and could he feature tomorrow?
“Lindstrom's natural position is the same as Kvara's – a forward starting on the left. I'm trying to fit him into other positions, perhaps coming off the bench, to ensure we get the attacking threat we've seen from him in recent outings.”
