Early removal of star player sparks discontent among supporters and raises concerns about tactical decisions under new leadership.
Napoli’s Champions League clash with Barcelona was marked by more than just the 1-0 defeat. The early substitution of key player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sparked visible fury from the Georgian winger and audible grumbling from the home fans, casting a shadow over the performance and raising questions about the new coach’s decision-making.
Trailing to a Robert Lewandowski goal, Napoli had struggled to create attacking opportunities. Despite this, the removal of Kvaratskhelia in the 68th minute for Jesper Lindstrom surprised many. This wasn’t the first time the Georgian faced early substitutions under previous managers like Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, but never quite so early in a crucial European encounter.
Kvaratskhelia’s frustration was evident as he stormed off the pitch and avoided shaking hands with coach Francesco Calzona upon reaching the bench. The crowd also voiced their disapproval with jeers when Jens Cajuste was replaced by January signing Hamed Junior Traore.
These reactions highlight the high expectations placed on Kvaratskhelia and the concerns surrounding Napoli’s tactical approach under Calzona. While the new coach seeks to implement his vision, navigating key player management and fan sentiment will be crucial in navigating the rest of the season and regaining their trust.