Napoli, Neres: Bologna loss made us grow, Lukaku key for me | OneFootball

Today, Il Corriere dello Sport features an extensive interview with David Neres, the offensive winger for Napoli and number 7 in the blue team. An intense dialogue, rich in technical and personal reflections, retracing one of the most delicate moments of the season and highlighting the team's maturation journey up to the final now on the horizon.

Napoli, Neres talks about Napoli's turning point: “The defeat against Bologna made us grow, Lukaku was fundamental for me”

Neres recalls November 9, the day of the 2-0 defeat against Bologna, a key moment in Napoli's journey.

“That defeat hit us hard. We suffered a lot, it was really difficult to digest,” says the Brazilian winger. “Luckily, the break came: in those two weeks we had time to train a lot and reflect on the mistakes made, but also on the right things.”

According to Neres, that very pause allowed the team to reorganize mentally and tactically, laying the foundations for a concrete reaction.

After Conte, a new winning mentality

The interview also focuses on the first week without Antonio Conte and the inevitable initial difficulties.

“Yes, it was a particular moment, but then we returned to the field with a new mentality and a different way of playing,” explains Neres. “Everything went well, especially because we won five games in a row. If you don’t win, nothing really changes. Those victories restored our confidence and relaunched us. Now we enjoy the final.”

A passage that highlights how the results have impacted the psychological growth of the group.

Workloads and energy management

When asked about the intensity of training, Neres clarifies that the approach hasn’t changed, but the tight schedule requires adjustments.

“No, everything is the same as before. But with two matches a week, it’s no longer possible to train so much. We do it when possible.”

The relationship with Lukaku: trust and silent leadership

One of the most significant moments of the interview concerns Romelu Lukaku, a central figure in the blue locker room. After the goals scored against Milan, Neres and Hojlund hugged the Belgian striker on the bench, a gesture that sparked discussions.

“Romelu is the one who has given me the most confidence and security since I arrived at Napoli,” Neres confesses. “We talk a lot: he has always tried to lift me up and always reminded me how strong I am. I appreciated it a lot and it was natural to run to him.”

When asked how much Lukaku is missed by the team, the answer is clear: “He is missed like all the other incredible players who are injured.”

Brazil, National Team, and focus on the present

Neres also talks about his origins and the lack of a call-up to the National Team.

“As a child in Brazil, I only thought about playing football on the street, but I studied: my mother made no exceptions.” Regarding the Seleção, he remains pragmatic: “In Brazil, there are so many great players. I just try to do my best for my club.”

Champions and immediate future: focus only on Bologna

Looking at European goals, Neres doesn’t hide but remains realistic.

“Qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 is difficult, but not impossible. But now we are only focused on Bologna. In my mind, there is only Bologna.”

Naples as home: climate, food, and familiar sensations

In closing, words of great appreciation for the city.

“I really like life in Naples, it reminds me of Brazil: beautiful climate, great food. I really have nothing to complain about.”

An interview that conveys the image of a mature, aware player, fully integrated into the Napoli project and ready to live as a protagonist in the upcoming decisive challenges.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.