The former Juventus and Inter coach has turned down De Laurentiis’ offer. If Garcia doesn’t improve in the next games, everything will be focused on Tudor.
“I hear rumors linking me to important clubs, but I want to reiterate that, for now, my only intention is to stay and enjoy my time with my family.” These are the words expressed by Antonio Conte on the social media after strong rumors connected him to the Napoli coaching position. The ex Juve and Inter has declined President De Laurentiis’ proposal.
The Azzurri president had seen Conte as the right man to revitalize Napoli and secure a Champions League spot, which is crucial for the club. Reports of the day tell of direct contacts between the parties, with De Laurentiis offering up to €8 million per year to persuade the former Chelsea and Tottenham coach to take charge of the Italian champions.
Conte had no objections about the formation. He was intrigued by the idea of winning with Napoli after his successes in A with Juventus and Inter, but he had reservations about joining in mid-season campaign and insisted on technical guarantees and full authority. The parties were in contact, also working on other contractual aspects such as the duration of the relationship and various clauses to protect both sides. Then came Conte’s decision to decline the Napoli coaching position.
So, what happens now at Napoli?
Currently, Rudi Garcia will remain in charge. Garcia will have the matches against Verona, Union Berlin, and Milan to try to convince the management to continue together at least until the end of the season.
De Laurentiis will be closer to the coach from now on, with his presence at Castelvolturno and attending the team’s away match in Verona when the league resumes. If Rudi Garcia doesn’t win or fails to impress with the team’s performance, then the backup plan comes into play, and it has only one name: Igor Tudor.
