Napoli suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Champions League, still remaining with zero points after the first two days of the tournament. The 3‑1 against Villarreal highlighted the Neapolitan club's shortcomings, especially in the second half of the match, according to the words of defender Rafa Marin.
Marin praised the Spanish performance, stating that "Villarreal deserved the three points" and that Napoli "did not get the result". He underlined that the Champions League has just begun and that the club must work "all together, with heads held high", waiting for the next challenge. He did not comment on the discussion that took place with coach Allegri in the locker room, declaring that "what he said remains there, it is our thing".
The defender highlighted how the team "loosened up" in the second half, a critical point that caused the loss. Marin reiterated that it is not a "technical error" but a lack of "hunger for victory" and strength in tackling. He asked Napoli to be more decisive and to regain the motivation needed to get the three points.
Despite the defeat, Marin has already looked towards the next match against Venezia, scheduled for two and a half days. He said that the club must "think about the next match, take the victory achieved against Frosinone and move forward in Serie A". The footballer also expressed gratitude for the evening spent at Villarreal, where he met many friends and felt "like at home".
In summary, Napoli must regroup and regain motivation before the match against Venezia, while the Champions League remains a demanding challenge for the Neapolitan club.