The manager believes his players care more about domestic honours as they look to dethrone six-time Italian champions Juventus
Maurizio Sarri feels Napoli are more motivated in Serie A compared to the Champions League following their draw with high-flying Inter on Saturday.
Napoli went to the Etihad Stadium for Tuesday's eagerly-anticipated showdown against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and lost 2-1 in an absorbing European encounter.
Sarri's men backed up that performance with a 0-0 stalemate at home to Inter in a top-of-the-table clash in Serie A.
And the 58-year-old head coach believes Napoli care more about domestic honours as they look to dethrone six-time Italian champions Juventus for their first Scudetto since 1989-90.
"To be honest, I see my team more motivated in Serie A compared to Europe. We played at a high level of determination for 95 minutes, whereas in Manchester it was for 55 minutes," Sarri told Mediaset Premium.
"City have an extraordinary technical and tactical level, but the feeling I get is that the players care more about Serie A.
"The Champions League is tiring, but it's also a wonderful thing to take part in and we ought to give it our best. We'll pay whatever price we need to.
"I think it's a sub-conscious thing. If in our minds we feel more competitive in Serie A than in the Champions League, that might be a difficult thing to shake off.
"After all, we don't have that much of a chance to go all the way in Europe, but we do want to put in a great tournament performance."
As for the match against second-placed Inter, Sarri added: "Considering the game, the shots on target and territorial domination, we are to consider it two dropped points tonight.
"However, if we continue with this level of performance, few teams will be able to get points against us."
Milanista78
1
Haha learn the names of the teams ignorant
DavidAloyce93
2
You mean inter not inter Milan
non of ur business
Milanista78
3
Napoli can't even finish second this season..!! coz they don't play with displine like inter Milan..!! spaletti is more matured, look at yesterday game the way he made look tough for Naples..!! spaletti look ready to make inter win scudetto.. No hard feelings
You mean inter not inter Milan
GSSai34
3
I really hope they do well in the Champions league.
i think they will make a comeback in UCL
GSSai34
1
If you feel that you are more competitive in Serie A than in the Champions League, it will be hard to erase the impact.
yeah
GSSai34
2
i think inter milan finishes on top of seria 2017/2018
DavidAloyce93
1
Napoli can't even finish second this season..!! coz they don't play with displine like inter Milan..!! spaletti is more matured, look at yesterday game the way he made look tough for Naples..!! spaletti look ready to make inter win scudetto.. No hard feelings
OmgEnglandisacity
2
They deserve to be in Serie b
Messiaha
1
Their performance this season has given me enough satisfaction.
killbaby
1
Yes, I expect them to have better grades.
front
1
I don't think so. I think it's ok if you finish your little goal.
terrifica
1
Being able to play more games is an exercise for players.
takeoverae
1
Although the Champions League is very tired, but can test their strength.
Zackvsco
1
As a fan, I just hope players don't get hurt.
negative
1
Yes, their goals are very clear.
typhoone
1
I think they're working for the scudetto.
cape
1
They might get the scudetto.
offlinea
1
If I were a player, I would do the same.
Paullove
1
I think that's the right idea.
Fedora
1
The Champions League costs a lot.
fcb522
1
I hope they keep it that way. It's great.
Tmac01
1
I really hope they do well in the Champions league.
translation
1
After all, they don't have much chance to keep going in the Champions league.
languider
1
If you feel that you are more competitive in Serie A than in the Champions League, it will be hard to erase the impact.
yumaster
1
Champions League is too tired, of course, can participate in, or very good.
beansmin
1
The players are more concerned about Serie A.
masaboot
0
I think this team is more motivated to play in Serie A than to play in the Champions league.
beansmin
0
The players are slightly inclined to play in the domestic league.
memoria
0
As a fan, I'm only concerned about Napoli's performance in Serie a....
makefile
0
Napoli did very well.
Bokai
2
Can't wait to see Napoli meet Man City again... A heartbreaking match when this two giant clash again... I'm a Man City fans but Napoli is my 2nd favourite team...