Walter Mazzarri vented his fury at the referee after his red card against Monza, insisting Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is ‘systematically fouled’ without adequate protection, but insists Napoli ‘deserved to win 2-0 or 3-0.’
The Partenopei remain in crisis mode after this disappointing goalless draw with Monza, especially as they were only able to scrape a point because Alex Meret saved the Matteo Pessina penalty.
Both Mazzarri and Monza coach Raffaele Palladino were sent off in the chaotic match and Napoli managed just seven points from their last seven Serie A games.
“Let us start saying things as they area, not trying to look to the past,” said a visibly irritated Mazzarri on DAZN.
“We had six clear scoring opportunities today and it would not go in. Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen are continually provoked, you in the media should show what happens. Show that they are held and pulled for 20 minutes and do not get booked. Of course someone gets fed up then…”
Victor Osimhen was suspended after his red card against Roma, along with Matteo Politano.
“It is a strange moment, we are not clear-headed. With Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia and Gaetano we managed to shoot straight at the goalkeeper from point-blank range.
“Having said that, show what happened to Kvaratskhelia, who was held for five minutes and then the coach got sent off. At least show why I was so angry.”
Mazzarri was dismissed for rushing onto the pitch from his technical area to separate Kvaratskhelia and William Bondo, as the Georgian had reacted angrily to a foul.
“After five games where nothing happens about this, people get fed up. Last time I said that I didn’t want to talk about referees, but if you allow them to do whatever they want and don’t go down to 10 men, this is what happens.”
In a bid to shake off this close marking, Kvaratskhelia seemed to have more of a free role.
“We tried different solutions in those three days of training. I tried to get him out of that cage of doubled up marking, because he is harassed constantly. I hope at some point the referees will also realise the treatment he is receiving and that in the long run he can benefit from this experience.
“At one point, it looked like a game of rugby more than football. I went over to the referee and told him that Kvara was not allowed to play because he was systematically fouled. The rules have to be applied.”
Mazzarri also faced criticism for his choices, introducing Giovanni Simeone only in the final minutes.
“I don’t think Simeone played that much last season either. We finished today with a 4-2-4 formation and if with four strikers we don’t allow any counter-attacks, that means we have improved.
“The only regret is that we failed to score a goal, but we deserved to win 2-0 or 3-0.”
It is not just a dismal campaign considering this team dominated last term to become the Champions of Italy.
The tally of 28 points after 18 rounds is terrible in general, as Napoli only did worse with 24 points in 2019-20 and 23 in 2007-08 since their return to Serie A post-bankruptcy.
Is Mazzarri worried about their situation?
“I am not worried by the table, my focus is on getting my lads to play well and today that is what they did.”