Napoli coach Rudi Garcia alluded to the ‘clumsy incidents on social media’ involving Victor Osimhen but made it clear that the striker ‘is concentrated’ on the match against Udinese.
The Partenopei’s official TikTok account, which has a history of posting videos with a certain tone involving their players, sparked controversy this week after posting two videos focused on the Nigerian striker – one comparing him to a coconut and the other mocking his penalty miss against Bologna.
Osimhen is furious at the situation and his agent Roberto Calenda threatened Napoli with legal action. The videos have since been deleted but recent reports suggested that the striker hasn’t received an apology from the club yet.
Speaking to DAZN on the live broadcast ahead of Napoli’s match with Udinese, Garcia first discussed the team’s hunger for a victory.
“Tonight’s game has to be about rediscovering our smile. Finally, we get to play at home, we are happy to be back with the fans and will give everything to get back to winning ways. We will only be able to smile if we win.”
He spoke about star striker Osimhen, both his reaction after being taken off against Bologna and the recent TikTok dispute.
“We talked after Bologna, we were all frustrated and angry because we did not get the victory. In these two days there have been some clumsy incidents on social media. I talked to him again and he is concentrated on the pitch.
“He will give his best for this jersey, we must all be united, and we are. Playing at home is important.”
Finally, Garcia discussed Matteo Politano and Mario Rui’s positions on the pitch.
“Our right flank works well, Politano started strong and had to be rested, especially as he had issues before the Bologna game. Mario Rui returns, I have two quality left-backs to choose from.
“When playing at home, we need more quality and Mario Rui’s passing can help us there.”