Allegri: 'I question myself every day' as Napoli players must be defended before Bodø/Glimt

Allegri warns of Bodø/Glimt threat on the break

Massimiliano Allegri has sounded a stark warning over Bodø/Glimt's danger on the counter-attack as the pressure mounts on Napoli ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at the Maradona.

Massimiliano Allegri on the bench during Napoli's defeat at Venezia

Napoli are still searching for their first points in this season's competition after losing at home to Arsenal and 3-1 at Villarreal. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Allegri made clear the Norwegian side cannot be underestimated.

"The game will be complicated, regardless of the other results," he said. "Last year Bodø/Glimt had a good Champions League, and they're good on the counter-attack."

"They're a strong side, very quick. In Munich, despite the result, they played a good game. They're dangerous when they win the ball back, so it will take a big performance."

The visitors arrive in form, having beaten Borussia Dortmund 1-0 last time out.

'Only we can get ourselves out of this'

The mood around the Partenopei has darkened sharply. Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Venezia — a match in which Kevin De Bruyne had a penalty saved — left Napoli with five losses in nine games in all competitions, the first time that has happened to the club in 25 years.

Allegri refused to look elsewhere for solutions, insisting the responsibility lies within the group.

"Only we can get ourselves out of this," Allegri insisted. "If we manage to win tomorrow, we'll see things differently."

"You have to question yourself every day. I've always done that, and I'll keep doing it as long as I enjoy this job."

Allegri defends his players amid criticism

The coach then turned his fire on those criticising his squad, offering his players unconditional backing.

"I'm sorry the players have been criticised in a certain way," he said. "Players must be defended and helped, even in difficult moments. They all have my unconditional trust. But when things are difficult, they mustn't be thrown overboard. They have to lift their heads and show they're worthy of Napoli."

Rotation on the cards amid packed schedule

With a relentless run of fixtures ahead, Allegri also hinted at greater rotation within his squad.

"We have nine games in a month and another nine after the second international break. We can't always play the same XI. Everyone can play for us," he said.