Sarri: The pressure is all on Real Madrid
Coach wants intimidating atmosphere
Posted Tuesday, March 07, 2017 by Marca.com
With a two-goal deficit to turn around in their game against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Napoli coach, Maurizio Sarri, faced the press to explain his thoughts on the match and how his team would fare against Los Blancos, suggesting that, in fact, the pressure is all on the visitors.
His counterpart, Zinedine Zidane, has already said that he will start with his best XI, meaning that the hosts will need to play an almost perfect game to progress to the quarter-finals.
Sarri highlighted the need for an intimidating atmosphere at the Stadio San Paolo as a start point.
"The atmosphere must serve to help us and not to influence Real, because they are accustomed to big games," he began.
"What matters then is what is transmitted on the pitch.
"To see the eyes of the opponent who wants to give everything and not be fearful."
Dries Mertens remains a key player for the Partnopei and Sarri was quick to clear up any injury worries.
"He can be assessed better on Monday, but I think it was just a hint of cramp," he continued.
Though it's the hosts who have to go after the game, the Napoli coach thinks their opponents will feel more under pressure.
"The pressure is all on them, they are the world champions and the richest club in the world," Sarri noted.
"Real have scored in 46 consecutive games, but we can make it difficult."
With Napoli losing so many balls against Roma in front of their area, Sarri was asked if it was their weak point?
"Roma press in higher areas," he said.
"But that's the way we play, and in any case they didn't score until the 89th minute.
"There are risks when you have fast strikers in front of you, the same risk that we will have on Tuesday.
"But it's up to us to measure that risk."
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