Napoli’s Unusual Shift: Calzona’s Call for Greatness Against Barcelona
Francesco Calzona faced an entirely atypical situation in the press room at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this evening. The Italian coach has taken the helm of Napoli just hours before the Neapolitan side plays a crucial European match against Barcelona.
The club has experienced absolute chaos in recent days. Initially, it seemed that De Laurentiis would retain Mazzarri as the head coach at least for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. However, the eccentric owner of the Celestial entity decided to ‘dismiss’ the now-former Napoli coach.
“If the players do what I ask for most of the game, I’ll be happy. We’ve had very little time, and we’ve barely trained. I want all the players committed to both phases of the game,” commented Calzona.
Team Identity
“I don’t want my team to lack order. I want to give the team an identity, to press, to bring what we do in training to the field. Have a free mind and have fun,” he warned.
Regarding the knockout tie and the ‘pressure,’ Calzona was unequivocal: “We are Napoli. We have a great team, we play at home. It has encountered a delicate, sensitive situation. We know the situation is not good, but the squad is aware of it. We are all responsible; the players on the field are the ones responsible. Everyone is giving their best.”
As for the ‘influences’ and his experience at the club, he assured that “I have worked with great coaches like Sarri and Spalletti, also with Di Francesco. They have all helped me in my process.”
Goals and Facing Barcelona
“The president is not happy with the situation, and our goal is to advance in the Champions League and secure a spot through the league for the next edition. It is clear that the Napoli fans are special. We want the fans to be happy with our performances,” he commented.
Regarding Osimhen’s presence in the starting eleven or not, he said, “Osimhen has completed training with the group. He’s not 100%, but he’ll be with the team.”
Another player not at full fitness is Traorè: “Training will help me see who is available. Traorè has been injured and is not 100%, but I count on him, whether as a starter or a substitute.”
Hamsik may contribute as an assistant: “Maradona is the most beloved player in Naples, but Hamsik is also very loved. He has collaborated with the Slovak national team.”
Captain Di Lorenzo Speaks
“It hurts that Mazzarri is leaving; he’s a great coach. But the squad is professional and always works with enthusiasm and readiness. We want to express the coach’s ideas on the field,” began Di Lorenzo, the captain.
What does he think about the team’s responsibility? “We, the players, are the first ones not happy with the performance. We always give our best to win. Sometimes there are positive and negative results. People are free to express their opinion. I think we deserve to have a great game, but above all, the fans deserve it.”
About the new coach: “We have received the new coach with enthusiasm. We want to play with courage. The squad is aware of the situation, and we will give our best to reverse it.”
First Training Session
Calzona had conducted his first session as Napoli’s coach a few hours earlier. The president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, visited Castel Volturno, the Neapolitan municipality where the club’s sports city is located, to personally introduce the new coach. Having been part of the staff under Luciano Spalletti and Maurizio Sarri during their respective tenures at Napoli, Calzona is already known to a significant portion of the squad.
His return also meant the comeback of Francesco Sinatti, the fitness coach of Spalletti both at Napoli and currently with the Italian national team – a return highly demanded by the fans. With the entire squad available except for Piotr Zielinski, who is not included in the continental list as he will join Inter as a free agent at the end of the season, Calzona has started preparing for the showdown against Xavi Hernandez’s team.
