The Napoli coach Antonio Conteduring the press conference two rounds after the important match against Empoli on Sunday at 12.30, also spoke about the injury situation regarding Alex Meret and Mathias Olivera, who returned injured from Uruguay:
How is Olivera?
“He’s back, he did his first training session with us today, but he’s a bit tired. Every time he takes three planes, we know when he leaves and not when he comes back (laughs, ed.), he’s a boy who played the second match, the journey was long, tomorrow we will evaluate but we have the possibility of having valid alternatives as well as behind Lobotka”.
On Meret’s recovery.
“Alex is close to returning, but there were too many risks for Empoli. I don’t see the point in taking risks, Caprile is doing well, he shows that we can count on him, why rush his return? We can manage with more peace of mind, he will be ready to next time Caprile is reliable for Napoli.”
On Lukaku after the break.
“He feels a lot of responsibility, perhaps too much since he arrived. He is concentrated, focused, every now and then I tell him ‘do what you know how to do’, he shifts the balance, I have always said this, in every situation, even on a numerical level what player he is and what he can do. He’s starting to feel good physically and mentally too, he must have a clear mind, the responsibility is all mine. He must stay calm and do what he knows how to do, goals and assists, playing for his teammates, that’s what he is an altruist, you’ve seen him, perhaps too much. Then with Giovanni and others, the older ones, taking on the responsibility of being leaders. But he’s fine, it’s important for us.”