David Neres, once upon a time, was linked with a move to AC Milan, but now he plays his trade under Antonio Conte at Napoli. Today, he spoke about the game against the Rossoneri this weekend and other topics.
This weekend’s fixture against Napoli is arguably Milan’s biggest of the season, even if there are two games against Inter still to play. A loss would keep the Partenopei in a Scudetto battle, whilst an away win could propel the Rossoneri back into the Champions League picture.
It is a game that defines the seasons of multiple clubs, but the Diavolo must look past this, only focusing on what is at stake for them. Sergio Conceicao remains very tunnel-visioned on a Champions League spot, even if it may not keep him at the club, and he will be desperate for three points at the weekend.
For Neres, the Scudetto dream is still on and he hopes to play a big part in the Neapolitan outfit’s hopes, as he admitted to Corriere della Sera, via Milan News.
“I have always played in top teams, but never in a league as competitive as the Italian one. Napoli gave me this opportunity and I did not think twice about it: it is a club with a solid project. Conte will decide [if I play against Milan], of course, but I feel ready.”
Conte’s impact so far…
“Very nice! But also incredibly demanding. And for me, he is perfect, because if a coach doesn’t demand so much, I tend to relax. He, on the other hand, knows how to get the best out of every player; he stimulates and motivates you like nobody else.
“Of course, he also scolds you: it happened to me after only two weeks here. They [his training sessions] are the most intense I have ever done. I’ve run more in these six months than in the rest of my career!”
Can you win the Scudetto?
“Why not?! The Scudetto is not easy, but we will try until the end. A moment of difficulty is normal; in Serie A, every match is a battle. Now there are nine games to go and we can’t stop any longer.”
His teammates…
“Lukaku is a leader on and off the pitch, Lobotka is fundamental for us. Kvaratskhelia’s farewell? He is a top player, one of those players who are essential for a club. I was sorry he left, but I am David Neres: grown up in São Paulo with the mentorship of Messi and Ronaldinho.”
