MONTELLA: "WE'RE IMPROVING, WE NEED TIME"
These were the boss's reactions after the TIM Cup match.
THE MATCH
"If today we lost it's because Juve played better. In the first half, we didn't manage to defend well. We were too slow because they did not leave us space. We conceded two goals on the counter attack and they went close to scoring the third. But in the second half, the boys managed to play better, to impose our style of play going close to levelling it. We never gave up, more power to my players who nearly scored the 2-2 down to 10 men. Unfortunately, we got that red card immediately after we narrowed the gap. It could have been a thrilling last half an hour".
THE WINGERS
"Swapping Suso and Bonaventura might be an idea, they are both capable of dribbling past the opponent".
NIANG
"I don't know the latest news. I already spoke about his qualities and my opinion on him. We'll see what happens in the next days".
OBJECTIVES
"We have to think match after match. We want to prepare well for the next game, train hard and win against Udinese. The goal is to make it into Europe".
HONDA
"I brought him on because I needed a quality player in midfield and to keep the team balanced".
DEULOFEU
"We were down to 10 men, Juve made us play low and we didn't manage to play the ball around. That's why I needed someone fast and I brought him on and not Lapadula. He also went close to scoring. He can play both on the right and on the left. He's used to both roles".
CONSISTENCY
"It's simple, hen we'll manage to play better than our opponents for 95 minutes, even Juventus and Napoli, we will win. I think it takes more than 6 months or one year".
JUVE AND NAPOLI
"Two hard fought matches and we must be proud of ourselves. We know we can do well. Both Juventus and Napoli are two really strong sides, and they've been working together for a long time".
IMPROVEMENT
"We faced two of the top teams in Italy. We are disappointed with the result but we have to face the reality. We are improving and reducing the gap with the top teams but we still need time".
LOCATELLI
"The red card will help Manuel in the future. He has to stay calm, he played a good game. These mistakes can only make you improve".
ZAPATA
"Zapata played well for the entire 90' also considering he was out for a long time".
CALABRIA
"Calabria had a slight injury. We'll know more in the next days".
(Photo LaPresse)
