Confident or Cocky?? Napoli’s Dries Mertens Says He’s Happy to Draw Arsenal

Napoli have managed well in the Europa League, having qualified for the quarter-finals where a difficult test against Arsenal awaits.

While Napoli have struggled to keep up with Juventus at the top of the Serie A table, they have impressed throughout their European campaign this season.

They were ultimately eliminated in the UEFA Champions League group stage, but had defeated Liverpool at the San Paolo and were kicked out of the competition because Liverpool had more goals.

Napoli striker Dries Mertens assured fans that the Partenopei will not be intimidated by their English opponents.

“We are happy with the draw, as it’ll be difficult, but if you don’t win games like this, then you don’t deserve to lift the trophy,” Mertens told Napoli radio station

“We faced Arsenal when Rafa Benitez was the Coach, but the team has grown so much since then. We lost some players, but brought in others, while gaining experience. We’re stronger now.

“Napoli had a good Champions League group phase, especially against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, so we ought to have faith in ourselves.”