Hojlund: ‘Conte can make me better at Napoli, eager to play with Lukaku’

Rasmus Hojlund admits it has been ‘relentless’ for Napoli during their injury crisis, but he’s learning from ‘incredible manager’ Antonio Conte and eager to partner Romelu Lukaku.

The centre-forward was signed from Manchester United in August after the sheer extent of the Lukaku injury in pre-season became apparent, but it was the first of many setbacks that decimated the squad.

It means those who are fit have to play non-stop between Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana commitments.

Hojlund feeling the heat at Napoli

“Of course, it’s been a very busy month, I’ve played a lot of minutes, and the programme has been relentless,” Hojlund told DAZN Italia.

“It’s difficult for the team, with all the injuries, I have to play all the time. I can’t complain, but it’s been very difficult, both mentally and physically.”

Scott McTominay went viral when in a post-match interview he stood and listed all the Napoli players who were out of action for weeks at a time.

“I had to see it, it was everywhere! He’s obviously right, but the players who are here, we’ve got to step up.”

There is a massive showdown with Juventus coming up on Sunday, with former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti at the helm.

“I’m waiting for a really important game for us, but also for them. It’s a chance for us to again prove we belong at the top of the table,” noted Hojlund.

“Juventus has been doing really well under the new manager and we’re looking forward to go there and hopefully prove ourselves again.”

Hojlund scored two goals when these sides last met at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona back on December 7.

“It was a good day, obviously happy to win against Juventus always, it’s a special game for the club, the players, the fans, everyone around Napoli. I was very happy with the win and it would be nice to do that again.”

The Denmark international has visibly improved in so many ways since the move from Manchester United to Napoli, so how much has Conte helped with that process?

“I’ve not always been the biggest talent myself, it might be surprising, but when I was younger I had to work harder than the rest,” explained Hojlund.

“I’ve always done that, and that is why I’m here today, I’ve always out-done my teammates, my competitors, and that is why you also never see me give up. I always try to improve and learn, because you can never be too good for that, there’s always something you can improve on.

“I want to be better and fitter every day, I want to be the best Rasmus that I can be.”

Conte has mentioned Hojlund several times in the media, noting that he has the potential to be a top striker. Does he say that to the player in private too?

“He doesn’t say it very often, it’s nice to hear in interviews. I just want to focus on learning from him and listening to everything he says, because he really is an incredible manager.

“I’m sure he can help me become a better player than I am.”

He has scored nine goals with three assists in 26 competitive games for Napoli so far this term. Has he set himself a target for the season?

“As a striker, it’s obviously important to score goals, provide assists, and help the team, but for me it’s always been about playing a lot of games, helping the team being near the top of the table.

“If I don’t score any more goals this season and we win another trophy, then I’d be happy with that. I want to score even more goals and assists, but I can help the team win in different ways, like holding up the ball and pressing from the front. I can improve my goal numbers, but also other parts of my game.”

Hojlund was signed to replace Lukaku, but now that the Belgian is working his way back to full fitness, will they compete for one place or get to work together?

“He helped me a lot so far, since he’s come back from the recovery in Belgium, he’s been around the group a good bit,” noted Hojlund.

“We complement each other on the pitch, it could be a good thing both as a competitor for places, but also playing alongside each other.

“It’s not for me to decide, but when I get asked if we can play together, I say yes. I don’t see why we shouldn’t be able to do it.”

Many players use social media and the striker who turns 23 next month tries to have some fun with his online content.

“It comes from me feeling like Instagram and social media in general can be a bit boring. I try not to step over the line, but most of it’s just fun and me trying to be a little bit cheeky. There’s not too much thinking about it, just what I’m feeling.”

McTominay was famously nicknamed ‘McFratm’ in a very Neapolitan way, so has Rasmus Hojlund got a nickname in the Napoli squad?

“No, I don’t think so. I told them they can call me Ras, that’s always been my nickname, so Ras is fine.”