UCL: Napoli boss Garcia warns Osimhen, others to be consistent
Rudi Garcia warns Napoli ‘need to be more consistent’ and work to ‘keep clean sheets’ ahead of the Champions League trip to SC Braga.
It kicks off on Wednesday in Braga at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Partenopei need to start strong, as their confidence was already shaken by the Serie A defeat to Lazio and 2-2 draw away to Genoa.
“We are only fifth, we could’ve done better, but it is just the start of the season,” insisted the coach in his press conference.
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That was held much later than planned because of various problems with the flight getting the Napoli squad to Portugal.
“We need to be more consistent, even during the same match, but the Champions League is a different tournament entirely. It is only six games and we are here to win with ambition, determination and confidence.
“The important thing is to be more efficient in front of goal and also able to finish matches with a clean sheet. In four games we have conceded five goals, but analysing the statistics we only allowed eight shots on target. That means we are not defending that badly and are not caught out of position. We conceded two penalties, two set plays against Genoa, two counter-attacks with Lazio.
“If we can keep a few clean sheets, then it will be easier for us to win games. Braga have quality, we know some of their players well, including Fonte, Moutinho, Bruma and Ruiz. We must show determination from the first minute and start the Champions League on the right foot.”
Kim Min-jae was a major loss with his sale to Bayern Munich, but replacement Natan has still not made a single appearance for Napoli.
Meanwhile, heroes of the Scudetto like Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia look increasingly frustrated upfront, the Georgian even making a gesture of disapproval when he was substituted against Genoa.
“The whole squad is important, but you do not only win games with the starting XI,” added Garcia.
“Osimhen started well with two goals in three games and we hope he can get back on target tomorrow. Kvara’s progress was stalled by an injury during pre-season, he missed the first game and then played only the second half of the next.
“I talked to him because I want him to be calm, he must be decisive. He hasn’t scored for a while, but he shouldn’t think about that, he needs to enjoy his football. It’d be already very positive if he provided an assist like the one against Sassuolo.
“This is the Champions League, everyone dreams of this tournament and these nights are made for players like Kvicha.”
Garcia took over from Luciano Spalletti, so is he disappointed or surprised by his start to the campaign with the reigning Champions of Italy?
“I am not at all disappointed, nor am I surprised. We have to get to know each other. Our first half against Lazio was the best of the season, but we need to be consistent.”