Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti confirms Kalidou Koulibaly ‘is on the market, but I’d like him to stay, as I’ve never worked with anyone so good.’
The Partenopei beat Serie C side Pro Vercelli 1-0 today in a friendly, decided by a Victor Osimhen goal, and Diego Demme suffered a potentially serious knee injury that will require more tests.
Spalletti spoke in a press conference after the match and was asked about a comment he made several days ago, in which he said he’d ‘chain’ himself to prevent Koulibaly’s sale.
“I want to chain myself for all the players, as I’ve already said that I will be very happy if the squad remains as it is,” said the coach.
“I only named Koulibaly because he’s on the market, but I’d like him to stay. I have never worked with anyone so good, not just as a player, but also as a man.”
It is reported Napoli are prepared to sell Koulibaly, but only for a minimum of €65m, so he’ll remain if nobody is able to match that figure.
Spalletti also reserved praise for goal-scorer Osimhen.
“He is a player who has the ability to change any situation into an opportunity. Obviously, this running around and continually making himself available to press, it does have an effect on his sharpness in front of goal and can lead to errors.”
When referencing the transfer market and strategy adopted by President Aurelio De Laurentiis, the coach again warned he is against selling any more key figures.
“This has to be a remain a strong squad, as there are at least seven in Serie A at our level right now. We need a squad that can hold out against that.
“Our intentions are to finish in the top four, we’re not hiding from that.”