Did they really want it? We’re not even talking about adopting it, at least tolerating it. Since he set foot in Naples, Rudi Garcia has been challenged daily, whether by supporters or the press. Obviously, taking over from Luciano Spalletti who had decided to pack up after the champion title was not an easy thing. After such great success, any coach would have been given a wary welcome.
Thus, Rudi Garcia already came very close to dismissal, at the beginning of October, after two defeats at home, one against Real Madrid which was not dishonorable and another, more damaging, against Fiorentina. Fortunately for him, his president Aurelio de Laurentiis failed to convince Antonio Conte to sit on the Neapolitan bench. He therefore decided to continue, willy-nilly, with the French technician, while ensuring a regular presence with the team to increase the demands and the pressure.
A problem at home
It rather worked, since Naples has not lost since these two defeats. With 3 wins and 2 draws in the last 5 matches, Rudi Garcia thought he would have a little respite. This is not the case, since La Gazzetta dello Sport puts a coin back into the machine, that of the ultimatum. Indeed, any result other than a victory against Empoli on Sunday would lead to the end of the adventure. Why such severity when Naples is only 1 point from 3rd place in Serie A and has its destiny in its hands for qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League?
Because the results at home are disappointing. Over the last 5 matches, the victories have been won away, the draws conceded at home. Fans have not been able to celebrate the slightest success at the Maradona stadium since September 27! And the proposed spectacle is not considered sufficiently exciting. From then on, the reception at Empoli took on a whole new scale. Likewise, qualification for the Champions League will likely be played at home against Braga on December 12. Will it still be Rudi Garcia on the bench at this moment? Nothing is less sure.
