Mazzarri: ‘Napoli on right track, Roma did nothing’

Walter Mazzarri was fuming at Jose Mourinho’s feedback after defeat to Roma with two pink playing cards. ‘I’m satisfied we have been the one group who may win at that stage.’

The Partenopei got here into this match off a humiliating 4-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Frosinone, however this was a head-to-head for the prospect to remain within the hunt for European locations.

It was a chaotic encounter with 13 yellow playing cards and two pink, each for Napoli gamers, as Matteo Politano was despatched off for a response foul on Nicola Zalewski, adopted by Victor Osimhen for 2 bookable offences.

Lorenzo Pellegrini scored on the half-volley from 12 yards earlier than a Romelu Lukaku counter-attack with the final kick of the sport.

Mazzarri was in a foul temper from the off, as when instructed that Mourinho claimed inside 5 minutes it was clear Roma would win, the Napoli coach refused to reply.

“Strive asking inquiries to me moderately than telling me what another person stated. When you ask me questions, I’ll attempt to reply them,” he instructed DAZN.

“I’m satisfied that the way in which we have been enjoying, and Politano’s shirt was tugged on the assault into house, that was our greatest interval of the sport and we have been the one group who may win at that stage.

“We weren’t medical sufficient within the closing third with some weak finishes, however we dominated possession. Apart from Andrea Belotti creating that likelihood which was our mistake, I don’t suppose Roma did something.

“We have been in management, we thought that we might take the lead and win the match, then it went the way in which it went, so let’s transfer on.”

As soon as Napoli went all the way down to 9 males, Mazzarri moved to a three-man defence, so may they carry in gamers suited to a distinct system?

“It appears absurd actually, however the second I arrived folks have been asking why I don’t use three on the again. I signed as a result of I favored the way in which Napoli performed final season and, apart from just a few gamers who should not in good kind, that is mainly the identical group.

“The facet was simply getting stretched out, so we had some changes to make, however I like the general strategy. A group that involves Roma, has 68 per cent possession within the first half, is heading in the right direction.

“If in future I see that we should reinforce the defence, then we will change, however I don’t suppose Napoli are enjoying badly. It is vitally related in model to final season, simply with just a few people who should not in good kind. We have to convert multiple out of six scoring alternatives, that’s all.”

Even all the way down to 9 males, Napoli nonetheless had 60 per cent possession general on the Stadio Olimpico, however simply two photographs on track.

Mazzarri got here in to interchange Rudi Garcia and his employees on November 14 and absolutely admits he hasn’t had time to essentially remodel the squad.

“I used to be simply saying in the present day that in case you go to a giant membership at a sure second of the season, you would not have time for any coaching. Once you play each three days, there’s nothing the health coach can do to get specialist work finished to carry sharpness again. You need to watch for a break.”

It was put to the coach that Napoli can’t repeat the performances of final season as a result of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen have been surprises, whereas now all opponents double up the marking on these stars, so that they want extra choices to create possibilities.

“I agree, we’ve already tried just a few issues, for instance Raspadori, but additionally actions from the wingers. We are attempting these.”

Napoli are leapfrogged within the desk by Roma and slide all the way down to seventh place, already 4 factors adrift of Bologna in fourth.