Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis claims they’ve “faced far tougher tests” than Arsenal and notes “Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t help Juventus win the Champions League.”
The second leg of the Europa League quarter-final kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) after a 2-0 first leg Arsenal result.
“This is a group of extraordinary lads who always gave their all. There can be moments in a season where you lose your sharpness, but I did not get frightened, nor tear my hair out,” the President told reporters after his lunch with Arsenal directors.
“Carlo Ancelotti is a very experienced Coach and a good person, so these are very important factors for me. I have no need to speak to Ancelotti before the game, as we’ve faced far tougher tests than this, at least on paper.
“We were in an infernal Champions League group and emerged with heads held high, just as we did under Rafa Benitez all those years ago.
“Arsenal caught us out on the counter-attack and we were a little distracted. We need concentration this time and could see a pleasant surprise.”
Napoli are the only remaining Italian club in Europe, as Juventus were eliminated by Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t help Juventus win the Champions League. It’s the team that takes you to victories,” continued De Laurentiis.
“I hope that next season the rules change on the away goals being worth double.”
It was on the away goals rule that Tottenham Hotspur eliminated Manchester City last night after a 4-3 thriller.
“Last night, watching Manchester City-Tottenham, it was like a whole new world. I said to myself: this is football. Italy are prehistoric in their approach. It almost seems as if in Italy we don’t want enjoy ourselves and we hide behind tactics. That’s the real danger when facing an English club.”
Shahriar
99
it was saddest night for Fanboys
Chelasani
85
you cry baby.... I have seen this sh*t president speak about ronaldo many times after his arrival at juve.... I think he is crying that they cannot win a trophy in the next years cry louder at least you could feel some relief Cristiano did his best to win the game from the minimum services he got.... I don't understand why people are crying that he did nothing... last 5 goals in the knockout matches are scored by Cristiano... people are trying really hard to degrade him... best of luck in that.... Bayern president and this sh*t are really hurt because of Cris joining juventus
buuabcsy
67
I don't like to compare Ronlado and Messi...but when people say Messi is not as good as he is without his teammates it wrong...Ronaldo need much help than Messi I am not saying Messi I better or Ronaldo is not as good as messi.... Ronaldo is more of a finisher thus he need more help from his team , his wingers and midfielders to provide chance where Messi can dribble pass players and create chance for himself even at this age.....just saying
cwesi2000
65
last season Dybala performed very well in the Champions League, this season on their group stage the kid scored 5 goals that carry them on the next stage of the competition but they didn't give him any credit, then came their Oldman CR7 who showed himself only in Atletico 2nd leg and Ajax 1st leg matches then all the mediocre people of Italy hail him, but remember if not Dybala they wouldn't have qualified on the group stage. now all the media in Italy has slammed the kid.
RealMadrid92
63
if no Ronaldo Juventus loss to Atletico in 2nd round
Cekabdpstz
54
Ronaldo did all he can do as a player that was bought for champion league purpose... Football is a team work and that is why the great Messi has perform well with Barcelona team than the Argentina national team. This is the weakest and loss Juventus team that I have ever seen for the past five years. Ronaldo alone cannot do it. I respect Ronaldo and Messi for their outstanding performers in football. Two GOAT of our time.
Sûâvé33
53
he talking about Juventus when he should be talking about his own team that Arsenal is kicking out of European league
AAristide
47
how do they blame Ronaldo? the midfield was inexistent just like the defense. he can't do everything alone he's just a man
DaMhztourage
42
Rome was not build in a day , another chance will present itself come next season , unless CR7 moves on, which is unlikely anyway .