Greece international Kostas Manolas has claimed Napoli must stop Lionel Messi ‘as a team’ when the Partenopei travel to Barcelona on Saturday.
The former Roma defender was on the scoresheet when the Giallorossi famously eliminated the Blaugrana from the competition in 2017-18, and he revealed Francesco Totti encouraged him to do it again.
“I met Totti and he told me: ‘Courage Kostas, try again’,” Manolas told La Repubblica.
And the former defender believes it’s possible to stop the Argentine talisman in Catalonia this weekend.
“You stop Messi as a team, without fearing his talent,” the 29-year-old added. “In my opinion, he’s the best in the world.
“For his quality and football intelligence.”
Napoli have some injury worries ahead of the tie and Manolas hopes to see Lorenzo Insigne back in time, before he confirmed he was ready to play.
“The pressure is all on them,” he said. “I hope Insigne recovers.
“I’m fine, the pain in my ribs has passed.”
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benny67
514
It's possible but only like this🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
lordbuddha
471
Nowadays I see most of the fan and even barca's fan criticizing own club like Barca will be trashed by Bayern München if they pass through Napoli. have you forgetten the team strength of barca which is more than Bayern? The match will be tough but can't say confidently that barca will loose🤦 Keep faith in your team coz you are criticizing the one of the best club.🙄
AravLionel
300
There was one guy named Manuel Neuer who claimed he will stop Messi. We all know what happened next..
Deadlykunal
296
Nowadays players talks too much
Leprechaun7
160
Me wondering who Napoli is playing against, Messi? or Barcelona? I'm confused, are we still talking about UCL?
Athuljr
42
ohh my goodnesss ! MANOLAS again😂😂😂
Erminaldo
16
Nowadays players talks too much
he already proved it when barcelona face roma