Scott McTominay insists he wasn't singling anyone out in Napoli's poor 1-1 draw with Copenhagen that has left them on the brink of early elimination from the Champions League.
But the Scotland hero has doubled down on his stance that the result was 'unacceptable'. The former Manchester United midfielder netted his ninth goal of the season against the 10 men of Copenhagen, only for the Danes to bag an equaliser 18 minutes from time thanks to Jordan Larsson - son of Celtic icon Henrik.
The draw leaves Napoli sitting a point outside the Champions League play-off spots in the drop zone ahead of their final fixture at home to Chelsea next Wednesday. McTominay, 29, didn't mince his words in his comments after the game, with his manager Antonio Conte also fuming that they failed to make their numerical advantage count.
Those words have sparked intrigue in the Italian media and speaking ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with Juventus, McTominay has moved to clarify his remarks. He told Sky Sport Italia: "I wasn't actually being critical. I just said it was unacceptable not to have won that match, and that's true.
"It wasn't a criticism of anyone in particular: we were playing against ten men and should have managed the situation better. But that's football, certain things can happen.
"Every match, however, is an opportunity to show who we are and the progress we've made under Coach Conte. We've done very well so far, we've already won a trophy this season, and despite many injuries, we're still there. It's not easy."
Reigning champions Napoli can close the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to six points with a big victory this evening but McTominay knows just how difficult a test that Juve will pose them. He added: "It's the most important match, a historic rivalry.
"The fans always remind us of that. We know it will be a very difficult match: it always is, both home and away. They have a great team.
"We have many players capable of helping the team and guiding it, along with the coach and the staff. On the pitch, we need leaders, we need people who push everyone to improve."
Scott McTominay and Napoli teammate Rasmus Hojlund (Image: Getty Images)
McTominay's first start in his dream debut season for Napoli came against tonight's opponents. "It's been a long time, maybe 14-15 months", he recalled.
"I remember being very excited, nervous, but ready: it was a new phase in my career. I have fond memories of that match, and I think we were also a bit unlucky not to win that day.
"What kind of match do I expect now? A tough match, as always. They have great players and a strong attacking ability.
"Concentration, using our heads well, and continuing what we're doing will be crucial, maintaining the pace and trying to get back to winning ways."