Napoli coach Francesco Calzona has candidly acknowledged the formidable challenges he faces, expressing his inability to address all existing issues amid his demanding schedule. Speculating on his future at the Stadio Maradona seems secondary to him, as he reflects on the pivotal support he received from Slovakia, the nation that initially placed their trust in his capabilities.
Addressing reporters at a post-match press conference following a 1-1 draw against Inter at San Siro on Sunday, Calzona emphasized the pressing constraints faced by his team. He likened the situation to requiring a magician to resolve myriad issues efficiently, highlighting the scarcity of time for comprehensive training amidst a congested fixture list.
In particular, Calzona outlined his team’s strategic focus on shoring up defensive vulnerabilities, which has consequently limited their attention to offensive tactics. Despite expressing satisfaction with their performance, he underscored the logistical challenges posed by the fixture schedule, citing the scarcity of tactical training sessions as a significant constraint.
Regarding his rapport with the players, Calzona implied a sense of resignation, noting the abundance of instructions received by the team over time. He emphasized his role as a facilitator, encouraging players to alleviate themselves of burdens while he navigates the team through challenges—a strategy he deems most effective amidst the turnover of coaches.
While Calzona remains contracted to Napoli until the season’s end, his commitment to guiding the Slovakia national team at the forthcoming 2024 Euros adds another layer of complexity. Despite plans to remotely oversee Napoli’s training sessions during the international break, discussions about his tenure beyond the current season take a backseat to his immediate responsibilities.
When questioned about allegations of racism involving Juan Jesus and Inter defender Francesco Acerbi, Calzona maintained his stance of detachment, asserting his ignorance of the matter beyond casual interactions with Juan Jesus. He declined to elaborate further, emphasizing his focus on the team’s performance and the pressing demands of his coaching roles.