Headline: Matteo Politano Criticizes Napoli Teammates Following Loss to FC Porto
In a candid post-match reflection, Matteo Politano expressed disappointment with his Napoli teammates after their 4-1 defeat to FC Porto, stating that it was ‘just us Italians’ who took accountability for the team’s struggles. The Partenopei began the match with a strong start at the Estadio do Dragao, despite missing ten players due to injury or ineligibility, leaving them with only three senior outfield figures on the bench.
The match saw Jan Bednarek’s opener on a corner negated by a goal from Scott McTominay, but Napoli faltered in the last 20 minutes. Goals from Gabriel Veiga, another header from Jakub Kiwior, and a late penalty from Samu, following a red card to Rafa Marin, sealed Napoli’s disappointing fate.
When speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the match, Politano noted that it was often only he and other Italian teammates who faced the media, saying, “It would be nice if a few other teammates came here to give an explanation and not just us Italians, but never mind.” He added, “I never hide my face.”
Following their recent 2-0 Serie A loss to Juventus, expectations were low, and with this latest defeat, Napoli finds itself in a tough spot, having lost three out of four Champions League matches. Politano remarked, “We didn’t see the progress we wanted… We conceded two goals from corners and they hit the crossbar twice, so there’s not a lot to say there. The attitude is one that a team like ours cannot have at this level.”
Politano’s comments raised questions about team unity and the management under Max Allegri. He clarified, “I was not attacking anyone, we have a squad that is struggling, but we need to come together. Hopefully, we can recover a few players during the break for international duty and then our season can really begin.”
Napoli’s tendency to struggle in the final stages of matches continues to be a concern. Politano noted, “At times, it is not even a tactical issue, as we are all behind the ball, but we lack the determination and sharpness.” He acknowledged the harsh reality of their situation, emphasizing the need for improved focus: “In the Champions League and Serie A, the moment you leave the slightest bit of space, they punish you.”
He further elaborated on the gravity of the defeat, stating, “Losing 2-1 and losing 4-1 is a big difference. We melted at the second goal, and we need to take a good look at ourselves.”
