Kvicha Kvaratskhelia thanks Mario Rui and Luciano Spalletti for helping him settle in at Napoli and reveals where he needs to improve. ‘I must do more working for the team.’
The Georgia international plays today in the Nations League against North Macedonia and has been a sensation since joining the Partenopei this summer.
He has contributed four goals and three assists in nine games between Serie A and the Champions League.
“Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world, I am adapting very well and there’s a marvellous atmosphere in the squad,” Kvaratskhelia told Setanta Sports Georgia.
“The first day is always difficult, but I was given a warm welcome. You learn from everyone here, both on and off the field.
“What intrigued me the most was the stadium at the fans. The Stadio Maradona is incredible and for 90 minutes the fans just don’t stop singing. If you walk in the city and talk to anyone, a child, an 80-year-old woman, they all know everything about the Napoli team.”
Kvaratskhelia has particularly bonded with one member of the Napoli squad who helped him settle in.
“Not all the players had arrived yet when I started pre-season training, so the first I really communicated with was Mario Rui. Not everyone in the side speaks English, but he explained how to behave in and out of training. I am trying to learn Italian and using every spare moment to take lessons.”
Coach Spalletti has experience from his time in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg and knows how to get the best out of Kvaratskhelia.
“Spalletti said I play well in one-on-one situations, but must do better when working for the team, because it’s only right that I help everyone give their best. I do everything the coach asks.
“I always used to think I spent a lot of time training, but when I came here, I realised it was very different. At this level, you need to raise the bar.”