Walter Mazzarri has intimated that he could become the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson of Napoli’ if the conditions are right.
Walter Mazzarri has intimated that he could become the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson of Napoli’ if the conditions are right.
Since taking over at the San Paolo outfit in late 2009, the former Reggina and Sampdoria tactician has led the Azzurri to a third place finish in Serie A and qualification into the Champions League Last 16.
Speaking to RAI, the Coach admitted that he would be content to continue his progress with the club and even emulate Scottish manager Ferguson, who this year celebrated 25 years in charge of Manchester United.
“My future? I have a contract with Napoli until 2013 and I intend to respect it. If there are clear ideas then I could become the Ferguson of Napoli.”
The 50-year-old then reflected on the calendar year’s achievements and was asked to pick out his personal highlight.
“2011 was a very important year for us, a year of growth and satisfaction. We are proud of what we have done and we want to continue on this road.
“The best moment of the year was definitely the victory over Manchester City. If someone had told me that we’d qualify for the second round I’d have said they were a fool. However, we have done it even as it was a real undertaking.”
Mazzarri was asked about where the club’s priority in the new year lies.
“Scudetto or Champions League? To continue the adventure in Europe would be great, but we cannot forget the League. To reach the Champions League we have to reach a clear position in the League. It will not be easy but we will believe in it until the end.”
Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed today Mazzarri’s first January reinforcement, in the form of 22-year-old Chilean attacking winger Eduardo Vargas, to which Mazzarri reacted, “He is an interesting player that will surely do well.”