Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso ruled out any major sales in the winter transfer window and reflected on the ‘somewhat tortuous path’ this term.
The Partenopei have suffered a dip in form this season following last campaign’s Scudetto success, pilling pressure on new coach Rudi Garcia, who has already started to have his future with the club questioned.
Napoli currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, five points behind league leaders Inter, and sit tied second in their Champions League group after a win over Braga and a loss to Real Madrid.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset via TuttoNapoli, Meluso first reflected on Napoli’s first few months of the season.
“Napoli have had a somewhat tortuous path, after the draw with Genoa we showed off a series of performances that made us hope well.
“Playing balanced football, then there was the setback against Fiorentina which upset the plans a bit. We have a work culture, the team is made up of great players and very serious people.”
He touched on the strength in depth in the squad.
“The Napoli squad is highly competitive, I wouldn’t forget Simeone either and he is an added value. It’s a squad we have a lot of confidence in, and the coach manages to keep concentration high, we’re happy about this and everyone must feel like they’re the starters.”
The sporting director was asked if any top players would be sold this summer.
“Absolutely not, the squad is very large and leaves us calm. Everything can be improved, these are discussions we will have later. We will certainly get together to understand how and whether to intervene.”
He spoke about the increased involvement of president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
“Certainly, the president has been with us since the retreat in Dimaro. His presence has given new motivations, then there are technical things that are up to the coach.”
Finally, Meluso discussed the recent bounce back from star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
“He did everything on his own, we are faced with one of the strongest in the world. We are faced with a footballer of great physical and technical qualities, he is a professionally attentive boy and the injury has affected him. The crystal-clear class he showed last year is irrefutable.”