The sporting crisis that Napoli have slipped into in the eyes of some is a tough one. The criticism is vociferous, the team is under massive pressure – and the president is once again relying on his bitterness
It fits the picture: Luciano Spalletti of all people, the celebrated Napoli mastermind who was unceremoniously promoted to the new Italian national team coach after his original sabbatical year, spoke out about his former club at the end of the year and almost always sensed the negative trend. The short summary: the 64-year-old gave his all at the time and sacrificed himself to achieve the proud southern Italians’ greatest success after 33 years of waiting, only to consciously walk away at the climax.
Because, as Spalletti made clear in his latest statements to the Italian press, it was only logical for him that the team would no longer be able to perform at the absolute top level after winning the Scudetto. Players such as goalscorer Victor Osimhen (contract recently extended) or dribble artist Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (nine goals each) would break down at times, have bad luck with injuries and simply no luck
Humiliations, red cards and a cab ride
And this is exactly where the reigning champions find themselves now: left behind by the big competition, long since kicked out of the race for the top. The disappointing 0-0 draw against Monza on Friday evening was the cherry on top of a cake that was no longer fresh.
The change of coach from Rudi Garcia to Walter Mazzarri has brought no improvement in sporting terms, the team is languishing in upper midfield and was recently humiliated 4-0 by Frosinone Calcio in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia. The Partenopei have also not scored a goal in three league games, are 8th in Serie A with six defeats and just 28 points and have recently lost their way in discussions. There were two stupid red cards for Osimhen and Matteo Politano in the 2-0 defeat in Rome, while coach Mazzarri, who was last seen driving home in a cab on Christmas night, was sent off against Monza
The Napoli president takes the blame
The Italian press naturally reacts to this tangible crisis without mercy, but rather lashes out even more. The “Gazzetta dello Sport”, for example, sees no change between the two coaches: “From any angle, there are no clear differences between Garcia’s Napoli and his here – running, aggression, game idea.” Nothing is different, better or new. In fact, the paper continues: “The team is worn out, the players no longer seem stable – and that is a mistake on the part of the coach.”
The “Corriere dello Sport” adds the following, referring to the recent game against Monza: “Four colossal chances, 25 shots and 58.3 percent possession … and yet it will be said that it was Meret who saved Napoli from their sixth defeat under his stewardship by saving a penalty. “
Now, in any case, it’s time for the turn of the year and a short break before the game at Torino FC on January 7. And this is precisely where the usually vocal and eccentric president Aurelio de Laurentiis sees an opportunity. “I hope that 2024 will bring health and fulfill our wishes,” said the 74-year-old owner to the Italian media, where he demonstratively stood in front of his club. “Everything that has happened to date is my responsibility. It is my fault. I have to apologize to all Neapolitans and most of all to our fans for the league position.”
His approach now: “The season is still long and we will react on the transfer market. The truth has more faces, but I don’t want to bore anyone with that.” He wants to say that, in the end, it’s not just the coach who is to blame for sporting success
