Carlo Ancelotti held a news conference on Thursday as Napoli's three-week training camp in Dimaro-Folgarida nears its conclusion.
“First of all, I'd like to thanks everyone who has helped host us here," the coach began. "We're really happy both with the facilities themselves and the overall organisation. The pitch was in perfect condition and we're thoroughly satisfied. The lads have worked very hard, as we expected them to. They're tired now but the work will pay off further down the line. We'll hit top form in time for the start of the season. We've experimented playing a very high pressing game. It didn't always work so well but this was the time to try to out. Once we've got over the heavy loads, we'll be fitter and more composed and we'll be able to do things better.”
On the new players: “So far we've bolstered our squad with three signings, and [Giovanni] Di Lorenzo, [Kostas] Manolas and [Eljif] Elmas were exactly the players we wanted. The transfer window is still open and we're sure we can strengthen the squad even further. I'm very happy with how things stand at the moment and I think we'll be even happier come 31 August."
What's your first impression of Elmas?
“He's a modern, all-round midfielder who despite being young already has experience of playing in various positions – you need that in the modern game.”
“We have three versatile midfielders who can play in different positions: Elmas, Fabian Ruiz and [Piotr] Zielinki. We have Allan too so we're sorted in midfield.”
What kind of striker are you after?
“We're looking for someone who can improve our attacking play, without forgetting that we have [Arek] Milik, who is a complete striker.”
What did you learn from the friendlies?
“I saw some good things and some not so good things but at this stage the not so good things are very useful to help get all the cogs moving smoothly.
“We're working on a way of attacking that involves pushing the two wide men up high and that's why we made a few mistakes but it's a learning process and this will help us play the sort of football we're aiming for.”
Season tickets for the coming campaign go on sale today. Do you expect to see lots of fans at the San Paolo this season?
“The bond between the team and the fans is so important. We can't go far without the tremendous support we get from our fans. They play a vital role in driving the team on.”
Can this Napoli team fulfil the dreams?
“This team can reach the top. But more than dreams I'd call it ambition and motivation. Our aim is to win and it's the same aim everyone at this club has. The club has been working for years to obtain success and now we want to make it happen.”
(Photo Getty Images)
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Source: legaseriea.it