Carlo Ancelotti believes Napoli have ‘the best defender in the world’ in Kalidou Koulibaly, who ‘is worth €150m but doesn’t need to be sold.’
Koulibaly continues to be linked with some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Ancelotti made it clear the Senegalese was staying put.
“Yes, I think he is the best defender in the world. And he has more room for improvement,” he told Tuttosport.
Carlo Ancelotti believes Napoli have ‘the best defender in the world’ in Kalidou Koulibaly, who ‘is worth €150m but doesn’t need to be sold.’
Koulibaly continues to be linked with some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Ancelotti made it clear the Senegalese was staying put.
“Yes, I think he is the best defender in the world. And he has more room for improvement,” he told Tuttosport.
“He’s worth €150m and he’s not for sale. Koulibaly’s contract will expire in 2023: in 2021 there will be a €150m release clause, but Napoli don’t need to sell.
“The President doesn’t want to sell and there’s no question about it for us.”
The former Milan and Juventus boss was then asked about Napoli’s season, which will see them lose out to the Bianconeri in the Scudetto race again but does see them a comeback away from the Europa League semi-finals.
“I’m satisfied with our season,” he explained.
“Second place isn’t our fault, rather credit goes to Juventus for moving at an exceptional pace.
“If they go on like this, they can end the season with around 100 points. Going back to Italy after nine years, I couldn’t have made a better choice than Napoli.
“When a new Coach arrives, many things change in a team. It takes time. To break Juve’s dominance, there needs to be a collective effort from us.
“Our other rivals must also strengthen so the League become increasingly competitive.”
There have been several breakout talents in Italy this season, so who has impressed Carletto the most?
“Kean struck and surprised me,” he replied.
“His start to the tear was amazing and the player has been managed properly, on and off the field.
“He’s lucky enough to train with a phenomenon of the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will play until he is 40 years old because he not only has a great physique, he also has the intelligence, strength and determination to improve every day.”
Finally, Ancelotti had his say on the Francesco Acerbi shirt controversy after Milan-Lazio last weekend, as well as the racism storms that have engulfed Serie A.
“I was at a great loss. I was speechless in front of such a spectacle,” he confessed.
“It’s unacceptable and not to be tolerated. The chants against Koulibaly, Kean and Matuidi, the insults to Mihajlovic when he returned to Florence…
“Enough, enough, enough. Football can’t be conceived in this way any longer. This isn’t the football we love, which I love.”