GATTUSO: "WE NEED CONSISTENCY"
Gennaro Gattuso insisted that his Napoli side is progressing as he appeared a press conference to preview Saturday evening’s trip to face Lazio, where the Azzurri coach is hoping to see a more consistent performance from his players.
“I’ve seen a big improvement in the team since I arrived, but we need consistency if we’re going to progress. If you look at my first game, against Parma, and the match against Inter, it’s clear that this is a different Napoli side. We’re starting to express ourselves the way I want, but we need to continue down this path and show belief. We need a few big results – for me, that’s the key to the mental side of things.”
Gattuso acknowledged that Napoli are in for a tough test against in-form Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
“Lazio are an excellent side,” said the Azzurri boss. “They have individual quality and real momentum right now. They struggled to get going at the start of the season, but then they grew into it. That’s an example for us to follow, because it shows that over the course of a campaign you can pull through difficult periods and produce your best form.
“All teams have strengths and weaknesses. It’s a really good time for them right now, but it’s our job to exploit those minor defects and limit their strengths. We need to build on our improvement and – most importantly – cut out the mistakes.”
Gattuso spoke passionately about his belief in the squad.
“I have full confidence in this group,” he said. “I feel a lot of focus and enthusiasm around me – the lads are working as hard as they can. If I wasn’t happy with the attitude being shown by the players, I’d have no problem with saying that. But I have a team that is giving everything it has to get back on track and live up to its potential.
“Right now we need to relax and focus on our work. I’m sure that once we get it right, there’ll be no stopping this team. However, for now we need to put everything we have into working hard and getting through this. I’m convinced that we’ll pull through.
“The main thing I want from my players is maximum effort. I can accept a few mistakes, but I want maximum desire and commitment to the club. That’s the only way we can bounce back.”
Gattuso also spoke about the transfer window, particularly the imminent arrival of German defensive midfielder Diego Demme from RB Leipzig.
“I speak with [Cristiano] Giuntoli and President [Aurelio] De Laurentiis every day,” he said. “We have a very good relationship and we’re always in contact. We know what we need to do, but my job is to work with the players I have at my disposal. Demme’s career speaks for itself – he’s the captain of RB Leipzig. But I’ll be able to say more when he’s one of my players.
“All of the people involved are working hard to try to do the best we can. I am here at the training ground from eight in the morning until the evening. And sometimes I even find myself waking up in the middle of the night!”
(Photo Getty Images)
