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Victor Osimhen has spoken on comparison to Erling Haaland, the way manager Luciano Spalletti always demands more from Napoli players and the surprise at receiving a message from Didier Drogba.
The Nigeria international was on target for the eighth Serie A match in a row during Saturday’s 2-0 win away at Empoli, as well as helping to prompt an own goal from Ardian Ismajli.
Before kick-off, Spalletti had said everyone in the team had the Osimhen mask going into battle and that he represented a symbol for his squad.
“It’s good for the coach to have this confidence in me. It’s only right for me to try to replicate it on the pitch and do my best for the team,” Osimhen told DAZN.
“We are very happy with this win. It’s a difficult ground, we know what happened last season here, from 2-0 we lost 3-2, they are a good side and respect to them.
“We needed these three points and I am happy to be able to contribute with this goal.”
Only Manchester City hitman Haaland has a better average of goals per game in Europe’s top five leagues this season, so Osimhen was asked if he feels that he is at that level.
“I think this season has been tremendous for me and I am happy to find my feet this season. To be considered one of the best strikers in Europe is a huge thing for me, it’s huge motivation, so I want to keep on going like this, getting the goals for the team and edging closer to our objective this season.
“Of course, Haaland is also a top scorer, you have to give it to him also. This has been one of the best seasons in my career, I hope to keep going like this and hopefully at the end of the season we’ll all have cause to rejoice.”
Spalletti speaks to the Napoli players often from the touchline, and despite their remarkable run of results, he is often telling them off for some slight error.
“Spalletti is a coach who demands more from all his boys, in training he demands we give our all and go for the maximum. Now I understand him even more, he motivates me on the pitch as well as trying to correct me by screaming at me! That is normal, I think every coach does that.
“He has confidence in his boys, he gives us the strength we need, and the way to repay him is to give our all on the pitch and make him happy. I know that he is satisfied, but he still needs more from the boys and we will keep on giving him our best.”
Osimhen received a huge surprise this week when former Chelsea striker Drogba sent him a message on social media congratulating him on his Champions League and Serie A performances.
“It’s amazing when you wake up or go on social media, see an encouraging message from someone you grew up admiring like Drogba. It’s a surprise and of course a big motivation for me. I have a smile on my face, because we spoke at length, I love what he did, I appreciate his confidence in me. I chose my idol very well and I’m happy about this too!”