Garcia: ‘Napoli need to be consistent and keep clean sheets’

Rudi Garcia warns Napoli ‘must be extra constant’ and work to ‘hold clear sheets’ forward of the Champions League journey to SC Braga.

It kicks off on Wednesday in Braga at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

The Partenopei want to begin robust, as their confidence was already shaken by the Serie A defeat to Lazio and 2-2 draw away to Genoa.

“We’re solely fifth, we may’ve performed higher, however it’s simply the beginning of the season,” insisted the coach in his press convention.

That was held a lot later than deliberate due to varied issues with the flight getting the Napoli squad to Portugal.

“We must be extra constant, even throughout the identical match, however the Champions League is a special match completely. It’s only six video games and we’re right here to win with ambition, willpower and confidence.

“The vital factor is to be extra environment friendly in entrance of aim and likewise in a position to end matches with a clear sheet. In 4 video games we have now conceded 5 targets, however analysing the statistics we solely allowed eight pictures on the right track. Meaning we’re not defending that badly and usually are not caught out of place. We conceded two penalties, two set performs in opposition to Genoa, two counter-attacks with Lazio.

“If we will hold just a few clear sheets, then will probably be simpler for us to win video games. Braga have high quality, we all know a few of their gamers properly, together with Fonte, Moutinho, Bruma and Ruiz. We should present willpower from the primary minute and begin the Champions League on the suitable foot.”

Kim Min-jae was a significant loss together with his sale to Bayern Munich, however substitute Natan has nonetheless not made a single look for Napoli.

In the meantime, heroes of the Scudetto like Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia look more and more pissed off upfront, the Georgian even making a gesture of disapproval when he was substituted in opposition to Genoa.

“The entire squad is vital, however you don’t solely win video games with the beginning XI,” added Garcia.

“Osimhen began properly with two targets in three video games and we hope he can get again on the right track tomorrow. Kvara’s progress was stalled by an damage throughout pre-season, he missed the primary sport after which performed solely the second half of the subsequent.

“I talked to him as a result of I would like him to be calm, he should be decisive. He hasn’t scored for some time, however he shouldn’t take into consideration that, he must get pleasure from his soccer. It’d be already very constructive if he supplied an help just like the one in opposition to Sassuolo.

“That is the Champions League, everybody desires of this match and these nights are made for gamers like Kvicha.”

Garcia took over from Luciano Spalletti, so is he disillusioned or shocked by his begin to the marketing campaign with the reigning Champions of Italy?

“I’m not in any respect disillusioned, nor am I shocked. Now we have to get to know one another. Our first half in opposition to Lazio was the most effective of the season, however we must be constant.”