Elia CaprileNapoli’s goalkeeper, has been a starter in recent matches due to Alex Meret’s injury. Good performances and excellent numbers, with only one goal conceded in two and a half games. The former Bari and Empoli goalkeeper spoke about this and much more to the microphones of Radio Crc: “The fact that we have conceded few shots means that we are compact, but it doesn’t just depend on the goalkeeper or the defense, but on the whole team. We all move well and the coach pushes us to be compact, perhaps this is the secret” .
What do you say to the defenders?
“As a goalkeeper I follow the movement of the forwards, I see the whole pitch and I can lend a hand. Just as they can help me manage the ball, I can lend them a hand with the opponents”
Good morning in training?
“He does the same things as in the match, he is a phenomenon and he shows it every day on and off the pitch: he is a great worker and deserves everything he is getting. The leap into a team that suffers few shots is particular and difficult, I always try to stay focused and try to always lend a hand to my teammates: the most difficult part is the fact that mentally you know you won’t receive many shots but you have to be ready.”
What did your experience at Leeds leave you with?
“He trained me on a sporting and personal level, a new nation learning the language and going through the pandemic alone, all this helped me. Every coach left me something, improved me on a technical and personal level.
Stefano Sorrentino a reference model?
“Stefano was the first big man I trained with, I was 17 years old and I was lucky: I understood what it means to train in Serie A, to have the right determination. I changed my way of training. As an idol among Italians I say Buffon, then there are newer ones who inspire me just as in the past.”
How is the role of the goalkeeper changing?
“Nowadays playing from the bottom, staying higher on the pitch, getting out of the area: all components that are part of the role, but they are things you work on every day to do them best when you are called on the pitch.”
Empoli with Vasquez?
“I’m happy with the season he’s having, they tell me he’s a top guy and I wish him to do well, maybe with us a little less, but everyone in Empoli spoke well of him to me.”
The relationship with Meret? A gift to steal from him?
“I’m lucky enough to be able to train with him every day and I see him on the pitch. There isn’t a single talent but I try to capture everything with my eyes.”
The ranking?
“It certainly gives us awareness but the season is long, the championship doesn’t end today and we don’t get caught up in the enthusiasm: we know we have to work hard, then we’ll see in May.”
The sense of belonging of the city of Naples?
“The fact that I came to the city as a child helped me to immediately understand what the strengths and weaknesses are: I feel great in Naples, the thing that makes me more Neapolitan is the fact that I like to eat. The coach maybe won’t be happy , but in Naples you eat well and so I’m happy to be part of this team.”