Ancelotti’s no Kop out
CARLO ANCELOTTI has urged his Napoli side not to fear the Kop roar at Anfield tonight.
The Italian locks horns with Jurgen Klopp looking to mastermind Napoli’s progress to the Champions League knockout stages for only the third time in their history.
Last season’s Serie A runners-up need to avoid defeat but if they score tonight then they only need to avoid losing by two or more goals to qualify from Group C.
But the former Chelsea chief hopes his side won’t buckle under the red-hot atmosphere on Merseyside.
Napoli boss Ancelotti said: “Anfield is a beautiful stadium. The best stadium in the world for atmosphere. The people are really passionate.
“For players it’s really nice to be here and play this kind of game. To play here, it’s really exciting. I don’t know what will happen but I hope the players won’t be affected.
“My players are positive. Everyone wants to play at one of the best stadiums in the world in terms of atmosphere.
“There are a lot of Liverpool supporters but there will also be 3,000 Napoli supporters here and many more watching around the world.”
Ancelotti insists his side won’t park the bus and just play for a draw to ensure their progress to the last-16.
He added: “We haven’t come here to sit back but to play our own game.
“There are two important phases in football – attack and defence – and we need to get both of them right.”