Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says Luciano Spalletti is ‘not only a great coach’ and admits he’s ‘happy and proud’ when fans compare him to Diego Maradona.
The Georgia international has arguably been Serie A’s best player this season, contributing to 11 goals in 12 league matches.
He joined the Partenopei for just €10m last summer and has already tripled his value.
“I like to have the ball at my feet; sometimes I exaggerate, but I am working on it. I like to keep the ball, but I don’t want it to become counter-productive, what matters is to be helpful with or without the ball,” the 21-year-old said in an interview with Lega Serie A.
Napoli fans are so in love with him that somebody has compared the Georgian sensation to club legend Maradona, calling him ‘Kvaradona.’
“Nobody can be compared to Maradona, a legend of football. It will be very difficult to see another player like him,” admitted Kvara.
“Of course, I am happy and proud when I am compared to him, it means a lot to me and makes me feel the responsibility.”
The Partenopei star sees Luciano Spalletti as a crucial figure in his development at the Stadio Maradona.
“I want to highlight his humanity and his greatness as a person. Since the very first day, he explained to me how to do things,” he said.
“I learn so much from him, and I’ve noticed my improvements. Tactically, I’ve learned so much, and I want to do even more. Spalletti is a great coach. He keeps telling me that I must do more and should not be satisfied.”
The Tuscan tactician is not the only one Kvaratskhelia is on good terms with.
“Kim is an amazing person, he brings a positive mood inside the dressing room. He likes jokes and is one of the best defenders in the world. When he plays, you know opposing strikers will have a hard time, he is an extraordinary player.”
Kvaratskhelia is currently out of action due to low back pain, so he will miss today’s Serie A clash against Udinese, the final match of the year.
Napoli won the last two games without the Georgian ace, beating Atalanta away 2-1 and Empoli 2-0 at the Stadio Maradona.