Agent Dario Canovi, a representative of Bologna coach Thiago Motta, has suggested that there is little interest among top coaches in taking on the role of long-term head coach at Napoli.
The Naples-based club has experienced significant upheaval since winning the Scudetto last season. Following their success, both coach Luciano Spalletti and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli departed, and their replacements failed to make a lasting impact. Rudi Garcia, brought in as a replacement for Spalletti, was unable to convince in the dugout, leading to his dismissal. Walter Mazzarri was then appointed, but he too struggled to find consistency, prompting Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to replace him with Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona on a short-term deal. Thiago Motta has been suggested as a potential long-term option for the club.
In an interview with TMW, agent Canovi discussed Napoli’s turbulent season following their Scudetto triumph and implied that Thiago Motta would be unlikely to accept the role.
“It’s hardly surprising. Few have questioned why a coach like Spalletti resigned after winning a title. If they had, they would have realized that it’s a challenging environment to work in. Finding a top-level coach willing to take on the Napoli job will be difficult. I doubt someone like Conte would consider it. The president’s interference is not easily tolerated.”
The agent also expressed doubts about Calzona’s prospects of success at Napoli.
“I don’t know him personally, so I can’t pass judgment. I had heard his name mentioned as an assistant, which leads me to believe that, barring any miracles, he is a temporary solution. He lacks the experience required to manage a club like Napoli.”