Napoli midfielder Elmas talks role & issues warning ahead of Frankfurt clash

Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas says he is available for head coach Antonio Conte ‘wherever I am needed’ ahead of the Partenopei’s Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt this afternoon.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus-Sporting CP on the Liveblog.

“Sometimes it is difficult to play everywhere, as some fans struggle to realise where I can play, but I am at the disposal of the coach and wherever I am needed,” Elmas told Sky Sport Italia.

Elmas rejoined Napoli in the summer, on loan with an option-to-buy for €16 million. The North Macedonian midfielder left Naples at the start of 2024 to join RB Leipzig but struggled to settle in at the Bundesliga club. For the second half of last season, Elmas was loaned to Torino, where he impressed but the Turin side opted not to redeem him permanently.

“I am a trequartista really, but there are few of those playing in those roles now. I can work and transform into whatever is needed at that moment, so I try to do my best.”

Napoli are already feeling the pressure in the Champions League, as although they beat Sporting CP 2-1 at the Stadio Maradona, they lost the two away fixtures heavily against Manchester City and PSV Eindhoven.

Before tonight’s match, Conte’s side sit in 23rd in the league phase table after 3 games played. If the Neapolitans want to avoid a tricky playoff round, they must pick up some points soon before their top-eight dream fades away.

“We worked well, we are concentrated, as this is a really special game. We hope this atmosphere can take us to victory, as it is a very important match. We know full well our opponents are very physical and we must play at the maximum level today.”