McTominay previews Chelsea and sends message to Manchester United and Carrick

Scott McTominay has given his thoughts ahead of Napoli’s crucial Champions League decider against Chelsea on Wednesday night, and has also sent his best wishes to his former club Manchester United and their interim head coach Michael Carrick: ‘I wish him the best’. 

Napoli are sitting in a dangerous position in the Champions League table, in 25th place, ahead of Wednesday night’s final round of league phase fixtures. The Partenopei need to move up the table tomorrow night if they are to avoid elimination. 

This is easier said than done for Antonio Conte and his side given that they will face the reigning Club World Cup champions, on top of an ongoing injury crisis and the subsequent drop in form in recent weeks. 

The Partenopei have only won one of their last six matches across all competitions and are coming off the back of a disappointing 3-0 loss to Juventus in Serie A over the weekend. 

McTominay believes, however, that this is a good opportunity for Napoli to bounce back against Chelsea. 

“Of course, every game is important. This one is one we have to win and we know that. So it’s a chance to put a good performance in and hopefully have a good evening,” the Scotland international said in a pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia. 

“I’ve played against Chelsea many times in my career so I know them well. They have great players, a great new manager in my opinion, who has really good ideas, so it’s a great club and we’re looking forward to having them here.” 

Reflecting on the Juventus defeat, he added: “Moments like that are difficult in football because we gave our best. They’re a good team, they have great players and for us, we have to remind ourselves of what we’re good at and get back to the basics of football and try to continue to improve.” 

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, McTominay was also asked for his thoughts on Manchester United’s recent results since Carrick came in to replace Ruben Amorim as head coach. 

“It doesn’t surprise me,” McTominay said of United’s recent victories against Manchester City and Arsenal. “I wish him the best. The first matches have been great, let’s hope it continues like that.”