The frustration is great for Napoli’s number-1 Alex Meret after the elimination by AC Milan in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. According to goalkeeper Alex Meret, Napoli played well enough offensively to continue. The Italian, who stopped a penalty kick, had something to say about defending.
Napoli goalie is disappointed: Leão should have been knocked out
Meret kept his team alive halfway through the first half of the return by saving a penalty from Olivier Giroud. Just before half-time, it was still a hit for Milan via Giroud, who made the 0-1 after a great action by Rafael Leão. The 23-year-old Portuguese covered eighty meters with the ball at his foot, to the frustration of Meret.
“We knew they were dangerous with counters and it’s a shame we didn’t foul Leão on the way to that goal. It had already happened a few times. We didn’t commit an offense, so Milan’s attack could continue,” the 26-year-old goalkeeper looked back at SportMediaset.
Meret called for showing resilience during the interview shortly after the game. The elimination in the Champions League should not overshadow the success in their own country. With eight rounds to go, Napoli, as leader of the Serie A, has a fourteen-point lead over number two Lazio. The first national title since 1990 is approaching for the club that has started to sparkle again, inspired by the offensive vision of coach Luciano Spalletti.
Meret added, “We gave everything. We mustn’t hang our heads, we must keep going. Of course there is disappointment, because we know we have the qualities to continue. We tried to the last second. This does not alter the fact that we are on a great journey. With performances like this we will achieve our goal in the competition.”
Davide Calabria proud of his team
Meanwhile, AC Milan’s skipper, Davide Calabria could not be more satisfied with his side’s chemistry. He said, “I have a lot of pride in this group. We ran in an attitude of sacrifice for one another. It’s no accident that you win when you play this well, even against top competition like this formidable Napoli squad.”
Calabria went on, “You can do anything if you have faith in your goals. I’m eager to compete in the semifinals. I’m ready to start playing all three games. I have to think this way, and so do you. That is the aim. It’s acceptable to imagine it. It’s a football game, so other teams may be better prepared than we are. I could see myself being capable of lifting it.”
