Mazzarri comes clean on Nilmar push

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri says he pushed Nilmar to motivate his team in their crucial Champions League clash against Villarreal.

Mazzarri was sent to the stands in Wednesday’s match at El Madrigal after shoving Villarreal striker Nilmar.

The Italian visitors went on to win 2-0, booking their place in the last 16 by securing second place in Group A.

“I’ll do anything so that my team can win a game. I’m even prepared to sleep outside,” Mazzarri said.

“We absolutely had to win that match and Villarreal were time-wasting, so my gesture was to send a signal to my players and the referee that we couldn’t put up with this.”

“We’re in the Champions League knockouts, but I don’t want to think about the draw now.”

Napoli’s attention now turns back to Serie A, with a trip to promoted Novara on Sunday.

With European commitments perhaps taking their toll, Napoli have struggled to replicate their strong form of last season.

They gave up the lead to draw 3-3 at home to league leaders Juventus on November 29, and sit fifth on the table, five points outside the Champions League qualification places.

“Now we must focus on Serie A, as at this stage anything can happen and it depends on us,” Mazzari said.

“Tomorrow’s game with Novara is an important step to understand who we really are.”

“There are so many games and I am convinced we would’ve beaten Juventus if we hadn’t felt that fatigue at the end.”

“I gave one day of rest to the players, but now it’s time to concentrate and Novara will not be easy.”

“It only depends on us and how we step onto the field. We’re capable of great performances against the top clubs and of messing it up with the minnows.”

According to Mazzarri, key midfielder Gokhan Inler is a doubt for the trip to the Stadio Silvio Piola, but forwards Goran Pandev and Ezequiel Lavezzi are both expected to start.

“I have to evaluate Gokhan Inler, who has both flu and a problem with his ribs,” he said.

“Walter Gargano has a few issues too, while Goran Pandev is likely to start.”

“If Ezequiel Lavezzi is fit, then he will start, regardless of the fact he’s on a yellow card. We always need to seek the three points without calculations.”