His first press conference for the coach who has taken over from Rudi Garcia: “I am a different person now, I wont complain anymore.”
Walter Mazzarri presents himself at the press conference marking his return to Napoli after 10 years, revealing a certain emotion: “I’m excited, I swear. After 23 years of my career, this has made me feel emotional again.” When asked if this is the strongest team he has ever coached, he responds, “Certainly yes. Then about these days… I have to be careful about how I speak; I am famous for complaints, but now there is a new Mazzarri (smiles).
HIS PRESS CONFERENCE
What could you tell us about these days. Is this the strongest team you have ever coached?
“Certainly yes, (starting with the second part of the question). Then, about these days… I have to be careful about how I speak; I am famous for complaints, and now there is a new Mazzarri (smiles). I’m doing well, I’ve slept 12 hours a day, I’m not tired (laughs hinting at no complains).
Spalletti’s Napoli?
Everything is fine, the group looks good. What Spalletti did here last season, it was truly a masterpiece; it was beautiful for all Italians, playing ‘spectacular football‘, a pleasure to watch. When you see a team like that, after 23 years on the sidelines, you hope to coach it, and I thank the president for calling me. I plan to coach in the same way like Spalletti and continue playing ‘Spectacular football’ at least until the end of the year.”
What did you say to the players?
After being for 23 years in the world football, it’s not difficult to start talking with the players. This is my house, although I haven’t won the Scudetto, I won the Coppa Italia after over 20 years without a trophy. Now I have had a lot of free time to work on myself, I always try to improve and update myself. There has been a big change in the last 3-4-5 years. I really want to transmit my experience to the players, and try to make them understand the dangers. Everyone is watching us, so it is crucial for us to deliver.
What did De Laurentiis (Napoli’s President ask you)
“We have mantained a relationship with him ever since I left. There was a misunderstanding for a couple of years, then we got in touch again, and there has been such a beautiful relationshi and friendship, we address each other informally, beyond my return as a coach. The relationship is important; ask him, and he will be the first to say it.”
Napoli’s schedule is very challenging immediately (Atalanta, Real M, Inter, Juve and Braga)
“I was born to suffer… I spoke with those players that were here, I have some experience in taking over, I think they understood what I said to those few who were there. I will watch over the details; we play every 3 days so, I will improve as we go forward with the season.”
Osimhe’s first impressions
“I have the feeling that he is a wonderful guy; he is generous, interested in winning with the team. He is returning now, and I am happy. I haven’t seen much of him yet.”
Is he your new Cavani?
“Seen from the outside, they seem really similar; but I’ve only talked to him for 2 minutes, as I coach him more, I’ll be able to tell you more.Then, with Cavani, there was a connection; teams must have a connection with the coach. When you love and respect the coach, you run for him. I’ve observed it. It was like that with Cavani; I wanted him, and if I said to him go play in defece, he would.
Regarding the formation? Will you start with a back 4 and then return to a back 3?
“I don’t want to be known only as 3 man defence coach, I can play any formation. I’ve been inactive for more than a year, I’ve been able to study, update myself, and now I think I can play any formation. It is clear that the team has entertained in Italy and abroad, and first, I will try to make them play as they did. Then, when I am in control of the situation, we will see from game to game.”
What are Napoli’s end-of-season objectives and goals?
“When you enter such a delicate moment, you can’t set goals; you only think about the next game, improving the team, creating enthusiasm, fighting for 90 minutes, and then take all the points possible. That’s how I see it.
