By Yusuf Mutiu
Kostas Manolas, Greek center half has noted that Lionel Messi must be stopped “as a team” when the Gennaro Gattuso side travelled to Catalonia on Saturday.
The former Roma player scored the goal that eliminated the Laliga giant from the competition in the 2017/18 season, and he also revealed that Francesco Totti encouraged him to do just that one more time.
“I met Totti and he told me: ‘Courage Kostas, try again’,” Manolas told La Repubblica.
And the former Roma defender believes it’s possible to stop the Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi in Camp nou this weekend.
“You stop Messi as a team, without fearing his talent,” the 29-year-old said, adding: “In my opinion, he’s the best in the world. For his quality and football intelligence.”
Napoli have some injury worries ahead of the tie and Manolas hopes to see Lorenzo Insigne back in time, before he confirmed he was ready to play.
“The pressure is all on them,” he said.
“I hope Insigne recovers. I’m fine, the pain in my ribs has passed.”
Napoli will hope to pull some miracles against Barcelona in the camp nou after the 1-1 draw in Naples before the suspension of football in march.
