Former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique emerges as one of Napoli‘s options to replace Luciano Spalletti alongside Antonio Conte who, according to Gazzetta, would need to adapt his tactics to the Partenopei stars, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Spalletti is expected to confirm his Napoli exit at the end of the season, barely one month after winning the first Serie A title for the Partenopei in 33 years and the first one in his coaching career.
Several star coaches have been linked with the job at the Stadio Maradona; the latest is ex-Roma, Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique.
Gazzetta and Il Corriere dello Sport highlight that the ex-midfielder would be ideal tactically given that his favourite system is 4-3-3 and that his style based on ball possession would suit the characteristics of Napoli players.
However, the 53-year-old isn’t Napoli’s only option. Antonio Conte remains a solid candidate for the role.
According to Gazzetta, the ex-Inter and Juventus boss is looking forward to his next appointment although he may need to change tactics and lower his salary to get the Napoli job.
‘Conte is able to adapt his ideas to the players’ characteristics and when you have someone like Kvaratskhelia, able to dribble past opponents, using a four-man defence, and even a 4-2-4, would not be a problem,’ wrote Maurizio Nicita on Tuesday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper (page 20).
According to the report, Conte is tempted by Napoli and is on good terms with ADL, but the Partenopei President doesn’t want to pay the new coach more than €7m per season. Exceptions can be made, but it’s unlikely Napoli will match Conte’s salary at Tottenham, which was in the region of €14m per season plus add-ons.
The Italian and Luis Enrique are not the only candidates to replace Spalletti. ADL’s list reportedly includes Vincenzo Italiano, Rafa Benitez, Gian Piero Gasperini and Julian Nagelsman.