Napoli midfielder Gokhan Inler has revealed that the Azzurri are prepared to give their all in order to secure a victory in their Europa League clash with Young Boys on Thursday.
The Partenopei will be heading to Bern to take on their Swiss opponents and the 30-year-old wants the Neapolitan side to make up for their 2-2 draw with Inter on the Sunday by continuing their successful run in the European competition, though he insists that the Italian side won’t be underestimating the hosts.
Inler spoke during Napoli’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday about the meeting with Young Boys and the role he’ll have to play in coach Rafa Benitez’s squad, while also commenting on what the San Paolo outfit will need to do in order to continue their strong run in the Europa League.
“This will be a special game for me, as I was born in that area of Switzerland,” said the Swiss international.
“Young Boys are an important team and will prove to be a tough opponent for us. However, we want to do well and win in order to secure points for qualification.
“This match will have a heated atmosphere, as there will be more than 20,000 spectators. This is a young team with an Italian coach, who I know drives them to giving 100 per cent in training and on the pitch.
“We have won our first two games in this competition, but we have to be sure to remain at that same level and try to earn all three points against Young Boys tomorrow. They are a young side, but have a lot of quality.
“They are already used to playing on the artificial turf in their stadium, so this is a benefit, but the important thing is that we know how to play football.
“Here the ball bounces a bit more, so you need technique and simplicity. The ball may also move faster, but the important thing is to know what we must do on the field, by doing what the coach asks of us.
“Regrets in the game against Inter? We went ahead twice and lost the lead both times, so of course there’s regret. However, we have already analysed our mistakes with the coach. Though there is still some bitterness after the outcome at the San Siro.
“The bigger midfield against Inter? It’s important that anyone who steps on the pitch gives their maximum effort and keeps the team rotating.
“With Jorginho, we had handled the ball and dribbled a bit more, but the important thing is that the team must express itself and play at a high level.
“Napoli struggling due to a lack of concentration? We have already explained after the match against Inter what was wrong. We have to improve in our management of the ball and be more cunning in certain situations.
“It’s a pity that certain things happen, but you can only improve by accepting the criticism and finding a solution, by reasoning all together as a team.
“I know what I have to do, I always talk with the coach and with the group. We’re always thinking ahead and looking forward.
“The important thing is to always think and improve as both a team and individually.”
