Mazzarri warns Villarreal of Napoli threat and proud of the favourites tag: UCL news
Napoli manager, Walter Mazzarri, has warned Villarreal of the threat posed by his team ahead of the UEFA Champions League fixture between the two sides.
The Yellow Submarine will travel to the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 in search of their first points of the 2011/12 campaign. Juan http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-Garrido-c8443’s men were trounced 2-0 by German giants, Bayern Munich, in their opening Group A game two weeks back. On the other hand, Napoli played a brave draw in their opening game of the competition against Manchester City.
Napoli and Villarreal faced each other in the UEFA Europa League fixture earlier this year too and the Spanish side triumphed 2-1 on aggregate basis. However, Mazzarri believes that his side has improved a lot recently and the teams fear facing them these days. The tactician believes that his team has earned the respect and they deserve to be matched with the elites of Europe.
Mazzarri said, “In recent months the way others view us has changed. They come here to play the game of their lives, because they know Napoli deserve the same respect as other top clubs. Last season in the Europa League we went to Villarreal to face up to this new reality after a long time away from the continent.”
The 49-year-old admitted that Villarreal have more experience playing in Europe than his side and they also qualified for the Europa League semi-final last season but despite that, he is proud of his team’s favourite’s tag for the clash.
“They reached the Champions League semi-final and have more experience, yet we are treated as the favourites. This has to make us proud. At the same time, it means Villarreal will come here to play for a draw and hope to take advantage of our mistakes.”
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 returned to Champions League after 21 years absence and the manager wants to make most of the opportunity. The tactician has prioritized the Champions League over rest of the competitions and has urged his team to remain grounded after a great show against Manchester City.
Tags: