Koulibaly Implores Napoli To Secure Europa League Title

By Max Wise

Kalidou Koulibaly has been left saddened by Napoli’s early exit from the UEFA Champions League, but believes the Naples-based club are in pole position to win the Europa League.

Napoli finished third in a tough group that included Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain, meaning they drop down to the Europa League after losing 1-0 at Anfield on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Senegalese defender was once again imperious at the back for Napoli on Tuesday, but despite facing stiff opposition from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Inter Milan, Koulibaly feels his side can triumph in the Europa League.

"We were so close. When the group stages started, many people saw us already out of the Champions League," he said.

"We are very sorry because we could have surprised everybody and we couldn't do it."

"We have a good team though and I know we will have many good moments in this season."

"We will have to give everything in the Europa League to go as far as possible, and even try to win it," he said.

"We know it won't be easy because now we are the favourite for it. It will be a difficult competition because there are good teams in the Europa League."

"But we have time to think about it, now we must think about tonight. We will try and win it."