Walter Mazzarri says he can see slow but constant improvement in his team as they prepare to face Juventus on Friday evening.
The coach began his pre-match media conference by reflecting on last Sunday's defeat to Inter.
“I think you can see the improvement in our performances. We played some good football against Inter and on the balance of play I think we should have been ahead at the break. That's a good sign.
“After the start I was really pleased with how the team played. But of course going in at the break 1-0 up and going in trailing despite not deserving to are two totally different things. Morale can change matches too, not just speed or strength.
“Since I joined we seem to be conceding goals on our opponents' first attack. That's something I'll try to fix by improving our balance. We must carry on attacking the way we are without giving away counter-attacks that are costing us.
“It's something for us to work on but we must focus on each game as it comes. We also need to be more clinical and put away the chances we're creating.”
How do you feel about playing Juventus?
“Juventus v Napoli is a special game between two of the biggest teams in Serie A in recent years. Our opponents are having a great season and you don't need me to tell you how big it is. We're going there as champions and we want to show the progress we're making.”
Will you stick with Natan at left-back?
“Natan is the only one of our centre-backs who can play at left-back as well. Right now he's the best option to fill in for us there because he's got the physical and technical ability get up and support attacks.”
When will we see Victor Osimhen back at his best?
“Osimhen obviously needs time to get into peak shape given his physical characteristics too, but even if he's not 100% he still has a lot to offer, albeit in small chunks as he's done up till now.”
