Napoli coach Spalletti on Liverpool defeat: Players started playing for draw

  /  autty

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti couldn't fault his players after their 2-0 Champions League defeat at Liverpool.

Leo Ostigard had an opener for Napoli disallowed before the Reds won via late goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.

I think we put in a great performance, because for most of the game we kept the ball well, created hypothetical chances and kept the match in total balance without ever struggling. That was fundamental," Spalletti told Sky Italia.

“Then as time wore on I saw the side feeling a bit sated with the draw, so I made changes to introduce more pace and sparkle, but it wasn't enough.

“In terms of mentality, it was precisely when we felt comfortable that we should've pushed, because we had nothing to lose. Having said that, Liverpool clearly are more accustomed to keeping that intensity and pace for 90 minutes and more.

“This is a strong squad, because to come here and play the way we did for long periods means there is belief in ourselves. We need to put it into practice against the big clubs so we have proof of our strength and we nearly did it tonight."

Related: Liverpool Napoli Luciano Spalletti Salah
Hot comments
Download All Football for more comments