Mazzarri: Napoli already surpassed expectation
Reuters - Monday 21 November 2011, 19:15
Napoli have already done
better than expected in the Champions League and anything
more will be a bonus, coach Walter Mazzarri said on Monday.
Napoli are third in Group A with five points from four games
and a home victory over Manchester City on Tuesday would move
them into second and leave them poised to qualify for the last
16.
"When the group was drawn, I believe it was unthinkable that
we would get to the fifth round of matches with still a good
chance of qualifying," Mazzarri told reporters.
"To be playing for a place against Manchester City gives us
great satisfaction and I think is somewhat unexpected."
"It means that we have done something extraordinary.
Anything that comes after this will be like gold."
Bayern Munich, seen as clear favourites to go through with
big-spending City when the group was drawn, lead and Spain's
Villarreal prop up the standings.
Striker Edinson Cavani, whose 26 Serie A goals propelled
Napoli to third place last season, shrugged off concerns about
his relative lack of scoring this term.
"I just hope to give some excitement to our supporters and
to do well for Napoli," said the Uruguayan.
"I'm happy and feel I have the support of the coach. I know
the he likes the way I work, the way I move on the pitch and the
goal is a matter of time."