Mazzarri: Lack of experience cost us
Posted Thursday, March 15, 2012 by ESPN
Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri believes that the lack of European experience in his side was a big factor in allowing Chelsea to eliminate them from the Champions League.
Napoli looked favourites to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after winning the first leg 3-1 but were instead eliminated after losing to Chelsea 4-1 in the second leg after extra time.
The San Paolo side looked to be cruising to the next round for most of the match but they crumbled under pressure in the second half of the second leg, conceding a penalty and allowing Frank Lampard to score the goal which brought the tie to extra time.
Mazzarri lamented his side's nerves and put it down to the young side's a lack of experience in the top tier of continental competition in surrendering the tie.
"We made some mistakes on set pieces, which compromised our qualification," Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia after the game, "We lacked the experience to control a game like this and put it to bed.
"Our players are very young and have never played at this level before. We must grow from this experience."
Despite Napoli's elimination from the Champions League, the 50-year-old coach admitted that he was satisfied with the team's campaign in the competition.
"From the first whistle it was seen that it was a difficult match," Mazzarri added.
"We were naive on set-piece situations. We were also very unlucky because we could have scored some more goals.
"Unfortunately, this is what happened. We regret not going through, but we are satisfied with that we did.
"Napoli should be proud tonight."
Napoli are currently fourth in the Serie A table, two points adrift of third-placed Lazio, who are occupying the last Champions League spot.
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