Napoli-Liverpool, Ancelotti: "We are playing against the favorites, but we must advance from the group"

Ahead of Napoli's first match in the Champions League, where the partenopei will face European Champions Liverpool, coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press. Ancelotti discussed the tie between two of Europe's top teams: "It will be a great test, it's the first game in the group and we want to advance. We will face off with the champions of Europe and they are undefeated. It will be hard, but very exciting. Usually the European Champions start off favorites, so I'd say Liverpool because they won the Champions League. We don't want to alter our identity and our idea of football. We want to learn from the problems from those who have faced them and the good things done as well. Defensively we have done well, so we will show the players' qualities in order to win. Compared to last year, Liverpool has grown and their knowledge of things has increased. But we have also grown, there is more quality and experience in our squad. I expect a hotly contested, intense match like last year's."

Ancelotti also commented on some of the players taking part: "Lozano is a humble, serious, and intelligent lad. He has great quality, he has only showed some of that, since he's been here just a short while. I believe he will do very well, I have no doubts. Koulibaly and Van Dijk are among the best center backs in the world, for quality, experience, and character." And discussing new acquisition Llorente and the idea that many players would shy away from playing in Naples: "Naples isn't dangerous, it's a beautiful city and its residents come here with pleasure: they enjoy the food, the sea, and other charms. I hope the Liverpool fans can enjoy themselves. Unsavory people are everywhere and unfortunately they are also in Naples. Llorente is here because we are all convinced he can be useful. He doesn't only know how to play with his head because he's an attacker with quality beyond his physical presence."