We started 'well' and 'then just gifted' Barcelona the game - Napoli striker Mertens
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| Dries Mertens (right) in action for Napoli against Barcelona during their Champions League last-16 match at Camp Nou. Photo: SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images |
Dries Mertens said, 'after conceding, we forgot what we were supposed to do.'
The Belgian striker believes that Napoli 'gifted' Barcelona their second leg last-16 encounter at the Camp Nou.
During the encounter, Mertens hit the woodwork just two minutes from kickoff, however, with all their ball possession and goal chances, the visitors fell in Spain by 3 goals to one to Spanish giants Barcelona.
The Catalans kicked out the Partenopei from the Champions League with a 4-2 aggregate. The first leg ended 1-1 draw in Italy.
Mertens opened up to Sky Sports Italia after the game: “We did well in the first 10 minutes, then just gifted them the game.
“Barcelona have so much quality and created scoring opportunities out of nothing. We showed after the break that we were in great shape physically and could be dangerous, but yet again we didn’t score enough of our chances.”
Barcelona French defender Clement Lenglet's header on the corner should have been cancelled for a push, however, Napoli continued and went ahead to concede three goals before the end of the first 45 minutes.
Mertens continued: “After conceding the goal, we forgot what we were supposed to do. If we build on this and learn to stay focused, we can do really well next season. I can’t wait to get started next term, I’m already hungry.”
Napoli Spanish pro Winger Jose Callejon has made up his mind not to entend his stay at San Paolo which means he will not be at the club next season.
It ended Barcelona 3-1 Napoli at the Camp Nou ⬇
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) August 8, 2020“We’ll miss him immensely. He’s given me so many assists over the years, as he has this way of running to the back post that gets the opposition defence caught out," the Belgium international concluded.
My Opinion: Barcelona outclassed Napoli amazingly. Nothing like "gifted"...
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