"We have nothing to lose in the Champions League", says Napoli star Lobotka

In an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport,

was asked about a comparison with Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.

“I know that comparisons have been made, but I am a different player,”

said Lobotka.

“It’s great to be compared to Iniesta, but sometimes I’ve had the feeling there were many expectations, creating more pressure.”

The Slovakia international also revealed his role models and his idols as a child.

“Every player is different, but if I have to think about role models, I’ll go for Casemiro, but I also like Marcelo Brozovic and Ismael Bennacer in Serie A.

“Ronaldinho at Barcelona, then I grew up and started playing football with my characteristics. I was enchanted by Xavi and Iniesta, but also Marco Verratti and Luka Modric. If I have to name one, I’d say Xavi, perhaps for his role.”

Lobotka joined Napoli from Celta Vigo in January 2020. He struggled with injuries in his first year and confirms that he wanted to leave the club.

“It’s not easy to explain. I didn’t play much and in February 2021 I had the first of two surgeries for tonsillitis. I had no longer trust in myself, and suddenly, I was sad,”

admitted Lobotka.

“I did because anyone who is not playing regularly starts asking questions and could be tempted by new solutions,”

he said.

“Some things are inevitable. I thought Gattuso wanted a different kind of player and there was no space for me. I had the idea of looking for a new club, then I lost weight, Spalletti arrived and a new history began.”

Lobotka’s contract expires in 2025, but he wants to stay at the club.

“We are at a good point, we are in talks. Clearly, I want to stay, no doubts about it,”

confirmed the midfielder.

The Partenopei is 18 points clear at the top of the table and is on the verge of winning their third Scudetto in history.

“The team’s personality emerged. We already knew Spalletti, but we’ve understood his playing style even more,”

said Lobotka.

“Now we are here, happy with what we are doing, but we are aware that the season is long and no distractions are allowed.”

will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the

Round of 16 after a 2-0 win in Germany. Lobotka believes there is no pressure on them in the Champions League.

“Everyone dreams of winning the Champions League, but it’d difficult. There are great clubs, but we have nothing to lose. We are not like Real Madrid. If we qualify for the quarter-finals and meet them, we know we can play on par. Nobody expects Napoli to reach the Final.”

Lobotka also said his teammates Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are among the top players in the world in their positions.

“Osimhen is among the top four strikers in the world along with Haaland, Lewandowski and Benzema. Kvara is among the top three wingers in the world with Vini Jr. and Mbappé.”

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