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Liverpool fans told BAD NEWS before Napoli clash - Anfield atmosphere mocked
ANFIELD'S famous atmosphere will pose no problems for Napoli’s players against Liverpool tonight - because the Italians are used to the pressure.
That is according to former Napoli and Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro.
Liverpool host Napoli in a crunch Champions League fixture tonight that the Reds must win.
Failure to secure three points at Anfield will likely see Liverpool slump into the Europa League knockout stage.
The Merseyside club have enjoyed plenty of memorable European nights at Anfield over the decades.
If one is used at the Stadio San Paolo, everything else is a walk in the park
But Cannavaro is confident Napoli can handle whatever the home fans throw at them.
“I really hope that Napoli can qualify (for the last-16),” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia.
“Liverpool is not a simple team to play against and they play in a tough stadium.
“To get out (from Anfield) unscathed, players will have to not lose their heads and play every moment knowing that the match will last until 95 minutes.
“Is Anfield a scary place? If one is used at the Stadio San Paolo, everything else is a walk in the park.”
Meanwhile, Dries Mertens says he isn’t worried about playing at Anfield.
“My strongest memory is that they have a sign saying ‘This is Anfield’ and everyone was talking about it, so I was thinking it’s very big, you know,” Mertens said.
“I came through the tunnel and I asked, ‘Where is the thing?’ and they said you missed it and I hadn’t noticed it. So, in the second half, I’m looking at this small thing and asking, ‘Is this so special?’
“The atmosphere? Football in Italy is crazy and the people are very crazy too so I think we are used to it.
“For me, it will push me to a different level, these are the nights we want to play.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp previewed tonight’s 8pm kick-off by insisting his side are not looking at the Champions League group positions - focusing instead on the game.
“The position in the table doesn't help us or Napoli. It is all about this game,” he said.
“We didn't win often enough to be through already. That's our mistake and now we can put it right if we perform.
“We do not need to make it any bigger than it is, but it is big, really big.
“That is exactly how we want to take it.
“It's an opportunity for us. The boys, I know, are desperate to stay in the competition.
“We have to play football and work hard for it.”