Diego Maradona warns ‘we won’t have a winning Napoli’ under new Coach Maurizio Sarri.
The tactician took over from Rafael Benitez this summer, but has failed to win any of his first three matches in charge, and the Argentine doesn’t foresee a bright future.
“I have great respect for Sarri,” club legend Maradona began, speaking to +N.
Diego Maradona warns ‘we won’t have a winning Napoli’ under new Coach Maurizio Sarri.
The tactician took over from Rafael Benitez this summer, but has failed to win any of his first three matches in charge, and the Argentine doesn’t foresee a bright future.
“I have great respect for Sarri,” club legend Maradona began, speaking to +N.
“But we won’t have a winning Napoli with him. I’d have kept Benitez, who went to Real Madrid, which confirms his work and the fact he’s not lacking in admirers around the world.
“The two points from three games seems to be deserved. This Napoli team doesn’t have a good style of play, or a defence that offers the peace of mind to be able to dream big.
“This Napoli will struggle to finish in mid-table, I’m angry because they didn’t deserve this downsizing.
“It reminds me of my first Napoli team, where we were struggling to avoid relegation, and that’s my biggest fear.
“Sarri is a good person, but he’s not worthy of Napoli. For him to be on the bench is a great gift. They needed a Coach who understands the size and prestige of the club.
“But the fault lies with those who put him on the bench.
“Who will win the Scudetto? I think Roma are ready, but Inter are getting back to a high level.”
El Diego also had some harsh words for club President Aurelio De Laurentiis, and doesn’t believe he’ll ever take over the Partenopei bench.
“He’s hard to get along with, so I don’t think I can Coach at Napoli one day. He has to understand that Napoli is a great team, and it should be made up of Coaches and players who honour the jersey.
“I miss Naples a lot, it’s a beautiful city, with an atmosphere and fans that I like.”
Finally, the former Argentina international spoke about FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who has been beset by scandal in recent months and years.
“He closed the door to me, but now he’s in jail and I’m here speaking to you, so he’s the thief, not me.”