Diawara: 'Ancelotti winning mentality'

By Football Italia staff

Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara celebrated his birthday and assured new Coach Carlo Ancelotti can be “our extra weapon.”

The Guinean turned 21 today and was given a cake, as well as an impromptu karaoke session, during their pre-season training camp today.

“I am happy to celebrate another birthday with Napoli, as it’s wonderful to be part of this group,” Diawara told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“Having said that, singing is something I find tougher than taking a Champions League penalty in Manchester!

“Working with a Coach like Ancelotti is important, especially for a young player. He asks me to play a little deeper, to use short passes and regularly change the direction of our moves.

“Ancelotti is our extra weapon in the Scudetto race, for the team, the club and the city. We want to fight even harder than last season to achieve our dream.”

With Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho gone, Diawara is now battling captain Marek Hamsik for a starting spot in midfield.

“He’ll have to adapt to the role, whereas I’ve been playing there for a long time and I know the Coach likes me. I’ll give my all to earn more playing time.

“A big club must target all competitions, so Ancelotti will drill that winning mentality into us for the Champions League too. I was born confident, I don’t feel pressure, as I still enjoy football the same way I did as a child.”

The title race will be even tougher in Serie A this season, as Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Everyone will be paying more attention to our league and that means we are very happy to have him in Serie A.”

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