Mertens: 'Juve unconvincing'

By Football Italia staff

Dries Mertens insists Napoli are still in for the Scudetto, as “Juventus haven’t entirely convinced me yet,” discusses his future and missing Maurizio Sarri.

The Partenopei are already six points adrift of the leaders after losing the head-to-head in Turin 2-1, despite having taken the lead with Mertens.

“It was a very unlucky game, but Napoli proved we are up there this season. We fought hard and went for the victory, showing no fear,” the Belgian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Juve have signed great players and are perhaps even stronger than before, but honestly they haven’t entirely convinced me yet. Napoli are there for the Scudetto, as Juve will run into difficulties eventually and we have to take advantage.”

As for the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently top on four points ahead of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Red Star Belgrade.

“It’s a really tough group, but we want to get through to the next stage and the win over Liverpool keeps us in the running.”

Taking over from Sarri, Ancelotti changed Napoli’s system to a 4-4-2 with Lorenzo Insigne as a striker, but Mertens assures it won’t limit his chances.

“I was tired after the World Cup, arrived late to pre-season training and it wasn’t easy. I spoke to Ancelotti and explained I would prefer being used sparingly at the start. So write that down, it’s my choice and not the Coach dropping me!” he laughed.

“There’s a good rapport with the Coach. The victories over Liverpool and Sassuolo gave us confidence, because they were achieved after so many changes. Everyone in the squad was involved and showed they were ready.”

The Belgian was asked if he still missed former Napoli boss Sarri, now at Chelsea.

“If I were to say yes, you’d make a big headline out of it, but what’s wrong with saying I was happy working with someone? I had fun and his style of football was practically written for me.

“That has absolutely nothing to do with Ancelotti who, as I said, I get along very well with.”

Over the summer, Mertens received offers from the Premier League and China.

“There was something, but I never took any offers into consideration. I am happy at Napoli, I’ve always said that. I want to do well here and have a contract to June 2020.

“We haven’t talked about renewing it yet, but I am 31 years old. Some might forget because I look so young and sprightly, but I’m a little old man…”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow