Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti praises Patrick Vieira and insists Kim won’t leave in January: ‘It’s hard to consider other clubs, even in the Premier League.’
The Partenopei will face Premier League side Crystal Palace on Sunday in their second friendly encounter during the Word Cup break.
They beat Antalyaspor 3-2 earlier this week thanks to a brace from Giacomo Raspadori and a goal from Matteo Politano.
“It was a god test against Antalyaspor. It was our first game in this break, we played well and I saw interest and quality,” Spalletti said at a press conference, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“On paper, Crystal Palace are on a higher level. Patrick Vieira did what Zielinski, Anguissa and Lobotka do together.
“He’s managed to transmit his mentality to his players. It will be an important test where we’ll try something new.”
Napoli are the only unbeaten team in Serie A and are enjoying an eight-point lead over Milan at the top of the Serie A table. Therefore, Spalletti doesn’t need any new signing in the January transfer window.
“We are ok, we need nothing in terms of sales or new signings. Perhaps some player wants to play more,” he said.
“Diego Demme hasn’t been given the playing time he’d deserved for his quality. The injury has had an impact as well. We want him to stay, but it’s up to him.
“Then something can be available in the market, but [new signings] are not part of our thoughts.”
South Korea international Kim has put in impressive performances for Napoli this season and attracted interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
He has a €50m clause that is valid only for 15 days in July, but Spalletti believes the ex-Fenerbache man won’t leave the Stadio Maradona anytime soon.
“There are cities with more relevance at a footballing level but not the same passion as Napoli fans,” he said.
“When a player experiences this passion, it’s hard to consider other clubs, even in the Premier League. It’s hard to imagine Kim leaving Napoli because he is happy in this city and in this club. This is the right place for him.”