Luciano Spalletti insists he ‘never said it would be a sabbatical year’ after leaving Napoli, as he could return to work at the start of 2024 and won’t rule out the Italy job.
The coach decided to walk away following the Scudetto, which was not just the first Napoli had won in 33 years, but also the first of his career in Serie A.
He was released from his contract by President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who suggested Spalletti wanted a sabbatical, but speaking to reporters today, the coach insisted that was not the case.
“You in the media invented that and carried it on, I only said that I needed to take a breather and sort some things out,” he told reporters at an event in his hometown of Certaldo.
“I need a little time, then I will see what comes along and evaluate what I need. I needed to take some time out and learn from other coaches. I don’t like the idea of a sabbatical year, especially as I can’t even say that I will return next year. Needs change, you might be attracted to different things.”
Spalletti was asked what he is looking for in his next challenge after finding such success at Napoli.
“You need the passion of the sport, not something exceptional, but just the emotion, the sentiment. I was given this immense joy at Napoli and it was impossible to repay them for that.”
If he might return in 2024, then Spalletti was asked if he could be open to taking over the Nazionale from Roberto Mancini.
“Don’t be naughty,” he told the reporters asking the questions.
“I will certainly stay out until the New Year. Then we’ll see how I feel. If you love something the way I loved Napoli, then it is difficult to follow that.”
If Mancini fails to secure qualification for EURO 2024, then his era will likely come to an early end.