Napoli Urged Not to Panic Amidst Challenges; Lang Out for Disciplinary Reasons

Napoli director Giovanni Manna has stated that the team should not be overly concerned despite a difficult start under new coach Max Allegri, with Noa Lang being excluded from the match against Arsenal for disciplinary reasons. Manna emphasized the need for calm and a focus on future results.

Napoli's encounter with Arsenal is scheduled to take place at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples at 20:00 UK time (21:00 CEST).

The team has experienced a challenging beginning to their season under new coach Max Allegri, suffering consecutive Serie A defeats to Como and Inter Milan after an initial win against Genoa.

Manna Highlights Positives Amidst Difficulties

Addressing the team's morale ahead of the challenging fixture against Arsenal, Manna described the preparation as being akin to a Champions League game against the Premier League champions and former finalists, filled with "hunger, curiosity, and the desire to have our say."

Manna urged fans and the team to avoid "pressing the panic button," acknowledging that while mistakes were made against Como and that the performance against Inter was strong, resulting in a draw until the final minute, the team must remain calm while also recognizing the need for better results. He admitted that the upcoming match against Arsenal will be "very difficult, almost prohibitive," but expressed hope that with the return of some players from injury, the team will be better positioned to achieve positive outcomes.

The team is currently facing an injury crisis, with several players sidelined, including Scott McTominay (post-surgery for arrhythmia), Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci, and Giovane. David Neres is only fit enough for the bench.

Despite the absence of key players, Manna stressed that Napoli's strength is not solely dependent on any single individual, even noting the unfortunate early injury to Kevin De Bruyne, who was expected to bring experience and quality.

Adding to the team's concerns, Noa Lang was notably absent from the squad for the Arsenal match, not due to injury, but for disciplinary reasons. Manna explained that Lang's behavior the previous day was unacceptable, leading to his exclusion from the game, where he will watch from the stands with Manna. Lang has since apologized to his teammates and the coach, and Manna indicated that the incident is behind them and Lang will be available for selection again tomorrow.