With Maurizio Sarri being linked to several European clubs lately, it’s inevitable that some other managers started being pointed out as his possible replacement at Napoli.
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is one of them, regardless of him leaving the Italian club under a cloud. The Spaniard, who had been on charge of the Serie A club for two years, has been chosen by the local media as one of the options for next season.
Following these claims, website Tutto Mercato Web interviewed the former Napoli player Vincenzo Montefusco, who also managed the club for a few years.
Besides asking the 73-year-old about Sarri’s future, they’ve also made a specific question about the Newcastle manager, and the response was quite surprising.
The former midfielder said Benitez did good things at the club, but his defensive playing style wouldn’t be accepted again.
“Do you remember Napoli’s defence with Benitez? Often with other pundits we were wondering how it was possible to play defence like that… it is much talked about Giampaolo at Napoli but now those who can put it all to rest is the club now making it clear what the intentions are.”
So if Montefusco’s opinion is the same as the club’s, Newcastle United fans can be pretty calm about this, because Rafa Benitez won’t be returning to Napoli anytime soon.
Sarri’s attacking football is going to be a tough act to follow.
