Napoli coach Calzona: We’re stronger now than when we last faced Barcelona

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona says his players don’t need any special message ahead of facing Barcelona.

Barca host the second-leg of the Champions League round 16 tie with the score locked at 1-1.

Calzona said: “There’s no need to do big things to make people understand the importance of the match. As Matteo (Politano) said, it’s a match that takes care of itself. Not everyone can play the Champions League quarter-finals against an opponent of this level. In this aspect I didn’t use my time. We focused on other things where we have flaws and where we need to improve. Conceding certain things in these matches can become fatal.

“We manage to create much more and we are scoring enough. Then we defend forward which is fundamental for me: I don’t like my team running backwards. This is thanks to the guys who made themselves available and in three weeks they made giant steps. It’s clear that the journey is absolutely not over, we still have a lot to do as I would like.”

He added: “Being a team and becoming a team, being a team for 90 or 120 minutes. The goal of the individuals must be achieved through the common goal. I expect the team to take a step forward, being a strong group. This is my personal goal but also the boys, in this aspect we have worked and we still have to work because it is not enough. Beyond this match we have other objectives and only by improving can we achieve what we have set ourselves.”

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