Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti is ‘satisfied’ after meeting with President Aurelio De Laurentiis and reveals that the Partenopei’s target in the last four games is to improve their points record from 2017-18.
The Italian tactician spoke to the media at a pre-match press conference on Saturday on the eve of a Serie A match against Monza.
Spalletti met De Laurentiis on Friday to discuss the club’s plans for the future and a potential contract extension.
“It’s never easy to have a meeting at a restaurant in Naples because mouths are always full of tasty things,” he said smiling, as quoted by IlNapolista.
“However, what emerged is very clear, but the club has to reveal the details at the right time.
“The club has done a great job to reorganise the team. I see a brilliant future. They’ve given me the opportunity to work in a certain way with motivated players, a winning cycle can be opened with this team. It was a pleasant night, the President always chooses excellent wines, I am not a specialist, but I have to say that I am satisfied.”
Spalletti also joked that he “didn’t discuss money” in his meeting with ADL: “You can’t say that,” he told journalists smiling.
The Partenopei have won their first Serie A title in 33 years and Spalletti was asked if the new motivation for players comes from improving the clubs’ points record from 2017-18 when the team coached by Maurizio Sarri earned 91 points.
“Yes it is,” admitted the coach.
“There will be full stadiums with many Napoli fans, so we have to do well. It’s a new phase, we have to alternate celebrations and good performances.
“We have an obligation to be professional with this jersey. The club and fans deserve it.
“Monza are a tricky opponent, they have an excellent coach with a bright future ahead. Adriano Galliani chooses the right persons and Monza have clear plans. They build up from the back with three defenders to create space.
“We must be careful and make sure we don’t have offer chances for counter-attacks. They have technique and a striker like Andrea Petagna who we know very well.
“I will make two or three changes and I can say that Bartosz Bereszyński will start.”
Napoli have 83 points in 34 games, so they will finish with 95 if they win all the remaining four Serie A fixtures.
Spalletti’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Napoli have already activated an option to extend his stay until 2024 and have reportedly offered the Tuscan tactician a new contract until June 2025 with a pay rise.