The situation is still very tense for Rudi Garcia in Naples, but for the moment, it is he who is at the head of the Italian Champions. Fifth in Serie A after eight days and beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League (2-3), Napoli are obviously not having the hoped-for start to the season. The former OM and OL technician is also judged to be primarily responsible for this situation, he who had been targeted by his locker room, the supporters and its president, Aurelio De Laurentiis. But while he was very close to the exit after the defeat against Fiorentina at home (1-3) and the rumor Antonio Conte hovered over him, Rudi Garcia finally came out of the silence and wanted to respond to the critics.
“I am serene and calm, do not misinterpret my answershe first explained to the Italian press. It’s an understatement to say that I didn’t enjoy the days following Napoli-Fiorentina, to put it mildly. There was a lack of respect towards me. I now understand who my friends and my enemies are. I found this a bit exaggerated. I found this whole story far too disproportionate. I’m not happy“, he then said to respond to his opponents.
The next few days will be decisive for Rudi Garcia
Before confirming that he had been supported by his leaders, and in particular Aurelio De Laurentiis, who had notably admitted that he was ultimately not thinking of changing coaches. “What matters is my work with the team and my relationship with the management and the club. I was supported, that’s the most important thing. But since everything didn’t go well, I take responsibility for it, I don’t hide. I’m a little disappointed because I thought a more cooperative attitude would have been better.”.
However, according to local media, De Laurentiis would have given Rudi Garcia an ultimatum. The Frenchman would have three matches to convince when he returns from the international break. Against Hellas Verona, 16th in the Championship, then in the Champions League against Union Berlin and finally during the Serie A shock, against AC Milan on October 29. “Now we have to think about winning in Verona: we have three matches in a row, but the first remains the most important”, added Rudi Garcia during his press conference. The next few days will therefore be decisive for him…
