Newly appointed Napoli manager Francesco Calzona admitted to “tactical confusion” in his team’s performance against Barcelona but praised their “reaction” to a strong start from the Spanish giants.
Calzona took over for Walter Mazzarri just days before the crucial Champions League Round of 16 tie, leaving him with minimal time to implement his tactics. Despite the whirlwind preparation, Napoli managed to salvage a 1-1 draw at home.
“We knew this was going to be a difficult match,” Calzona conceded in a post-match interview with Amazon Prime Video Italia. “With only one and a half training sessions under my belt, there was bound to be some confusion on the tactical level.”
Napoli initially struggled, conceding possession and chances to Barcelona. However, they regrouped in the second half, creating their own opportunities and equalizing through Victor Osimhen.
“The players showed great heart and determination to avoid defeat,” Calzona commended. “While tactically we need improvement, their fighting spirit against such a strong opponent is encouraging.”
He acknowledged the impact of substitutions, highlighting the positive contributions of Jesper Lindstrom and others who brought “more energy and organization” to the game.
Despite the tactical hiccups, Calzona emphasized the importance of the team’s response. “They suffered in the first half but never gave up, and that’s essential,” he stressed. “Fighting to the end against a team of this quality leaves me satisfied.”
With the tie evenly poised, Napoli now sets its sights on the second leg at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12th. Calzona will have more time to work with his squad and refine their tactics, aiming to overcome the challenge of playing away from home and secure a place in the next round.