Massimiliano Allegri said Napoli's Champions League game against Bodø/Glimt at the Maradona on Tuesday will be complicated. With Napoli still looking for their first points in the competition after recent defeats, he also defended his players amid criticism.
Bodø/Glimt threat
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Allegri said at his pre-match press conference: "The game will be complicated, regardless of the other results."
He added: "Last year Bodø/Glimt had a good Champions League, and they’re good on the counter-attack."
Allegri also said: "They’re a strong side, very quick. In Munich, despite the result, they played a good game. They’re dangerous when they win the ball back, so it will take a big performance."
The Norwegians beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 last time out.
Napoli's recent results
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Allegri said at his pre-match press conference that Napoli are still searching for their first points after losing at home to Arsenal and 3-1 at Villarreal.
Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Venezia, where Kevin De Bruyne had a penalty saved, left Napoli with five losses in nine games in all competitions.
Football Italia said it was the first time that had happened to Napoli in 25 years.
Allegri defends his players
Allegri said: "Only we can get ourselves out of this."
He added: "If we manage to win tomorrow, we’ll see things differently."
Allegri said: "You have to question yourself every day. I’ve always done that, and I’ll keep doing it as long as I enjoy this job."
He then said: "I’m sorry the players have been criticised in a certain way."
Allegri added: "Players must be defended and helped, even in difficult moments. They all have my unconditional trust. But when things are difficult, they mustn’t be thrown overboard. They have to lift their heads and show they’re worthy of Napoli."
Rotation plans
Allegri hinted at more rotation, saying: "We have nine games in a month and another nine after the second international break. We can’t always play the same XI. Everyone can play for us."