Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti says he ‘can’t guarantee anything’ but sees motivated players and is convinced fans will fall in love with the team again.
Many fans’ idols have left the Stadio Maradona this summer, from Lorenzo Insigne to Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens and Partenopei supporters are complaining that the club has not shown ambition during the current transfer window.
Napoli begin their season against Verona on Monday and Spalletti has met the media today at a press conference today.
“I want to clarify that when I met Aurelio [De Laurentiis], he explained to me his project. I was told to expect a transition period in terms of finances and rejuvenation, then return to the Champions League and offer good football because in the previous two campaigns, nobody had had requests due to bad results,” he said.
“We’ve reached our targets, but Napoli’s ambitions are always big. We need to take responsibility and prepare the team for the future.
“I can’t guarantee anything but, of course, I always play for the best result. We need time, but we have ambition. I am convinced that we’ll make fans fall in love like last season. The players are motivated, and the ball moves quickly…
“We have 12 points available before the start of the season, we have to see what will happen,” the coach continued.
“It’s a slow transfer market because nobody wants to spend big, so it’s all more complicated.”
Giovanni Simeone underwent his medical with the Partenopei this morning (VIDEO). Will he be available on Monday?
“If it’s all ok, of course, he’ll come with us,” confirmed Spalletti. “We are waiting for him. He is a correct signing, a player that we need. He scored 17 goals last season without taking penalty kicks. I’ll evaluate the team’s balance because we have players who allow us to change the system.
“Sirigu? He arrived in good shape but trained extra because he needs to play straight away.”