A season to redeem unmet expectations.
After a not-so-simple year, Jens Cajuste is ready to take on Napoli: «There have been some ups and downs - the blue midfielder told Swedish TV Fotbollskanalen -, a lot has happened and we changed coach several times, but all in all, I learned a lot. I take a lot with me from this season».
«What have I learned? That mentally you need to be active 24 hours a day. You need to be always connected, not one day yes and one day no», continues the player born in 1999, who made 35 appearances this year with Napoli. «I've put on five kilos of muscle since I've been here, I feel stronger in duels and I think I can run more».
Playing for Napoli, for Cajuste, has represented a significant step forward in his career: «This is a great club, you can feel it immediately. You feel the passion of the fans and the expectations are high. Did the changes on the bench penalize me? I admit I was a bit dizzy. Different game ideas and tactics, it was complicated but I tried to face it in the best possible way».
But now there's Antonio Conte and it's a whole different story: «It will be exciting. I've heard a lot about him, I can't wait to see him with my own eyes. I talked a little bit with Kulusevski - his teammate from the national team - and he told me I have to be ready to work hard. I think this year's project will be very interesting».
From compatriot to compatriot, Cajuste also shares the Swedish shirt with Viktor Gyokeres: «Can he play for Napoli? Absolutely yes. He has all the characteristics to be able to do so».
And what about the future of the former Stade Reims player? «I haven't received any other directives, in football you never know but for the moment I believe I will stay here», and then a no comment on the interest from Galatasaray.