Newly appointed Napoli head coach Francesco Calzona demands immediate action and a renewed mentality from his team, starting with their crucial Champions League clash against Barcelona. In his introductory press conference, Calzona emphasized the need for a clean slate and a focus on performance, leaving little room for excuses.
“We start from today,” Calzona declared, urging the players to “press the reset button on everything.” He acknowledged the limited time available but demanded a swift turnaround: “We don’t need many words, we need action right now. We have no more excuses, we must improve our position.”
Despite Barcelona’s recent struggles, Calzona remained realistic about the challenge ahead. “They are a strong team, one of the best in Europe,” he admitted. “But we are Napoli, so we are not afraid of anyone. We will play to win, not for a draw.”
Calzona’s return to Napoli marks his third stint with the club, having previously served as assistant manager under Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti. He expressed his gratitude for their influence and hinted at incorporating his own ideas while building upon their successful strategies.
Regarding the team’s recent struggles, Calzona identified a lack of conviction as a key issue. “Napoli lack conviction at the moment, but this is a strong team,” he reiterated. “I am totally convinced.”
Calzona’s preferred formation remains flexible, although he acknowledged his affinity for the 4-3-3 system. “I do like the 4-3-3, but I am not tied to a system,” he stated. “This team was built in a certain way and I try to make the most of the characteristics that they have.”
Calzona’s message to the Napoli faithful is clear: expect action, not words. “We need to make them proud and happy with our performances,” he said. “We do not need to ask them for anything.”
With a new coach at the helm and a crucial Champions League clash on the horizon, Napoli finds itself at a crossroads. Calzona’s demands for immediate improvement and unwavering belief in the team’s potential set the stage for a potentially transformative moment in their season.