Ex-Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri has acknowledged that the presence of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen within the squad might have extended his tenure at the club before his dismissal on Monday, February 19. Mazzarri’s departure marks the second managerial change for the Italian champions within three months following his takeover from Rudi Garcia.
The 62-year-old was appointed Napoli’s head coach in November after a lacklustre beginning to the season under Garcia.
Upon his arrival, Osimhen was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Napoli faced challenges without Osimhen Osimhen’s injury and absence during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast meant he couldn’t be there for the manager, participating in only eight games under Mazzarri.
During this period, Napoli faced difficulties without their key player, managing only three wins out of nine games.
Since his return, Osimhen has been sidelined due to fitness concerns.
According to a report from La Repubblica, the ex-Cagliari coach expressed his desire to have Osimhen available for Napoli’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Barcelona, seeing it as an opportunity to alleviate some pressure.
According to Mazzari: “I was hoping to manage against Barcelona with Victor Osimhen on the pitch.”
