New Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri gave his first press conference ahead of the 2015/2016 season, and stated he cannot wait for the season to start and hopes star striker Gonzalo Higuain will remain with the club, reckoning that the Argentine can still improve his game.
The 27-year-old joined the Partenopei in 2013 from Real Madrid, and was the club’s top scorer with 29 goals last season, but since the departure of former coach Rafael Benitez this summer, had been linked with a move away from the southern giants.
“The president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] hasn’t spoken about this situation. I will be genuinely be delighted if Gonzalo remains with the club,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia during his press conference.
“It’s amazing as I still think he can improve a bit more as I don’t think we have seen him at 100 per cent. He has still room to improve and he is one of the best strikers around in world football.”
The former Empoli coach was asked about his first impressions in his new role and how he expects to win over the Napoli faithful.
“Naples is a city that loves and lives for Napoli,” he added.
“There is great interest for this team. I felt that even from looking in from the outside.
“It’s normal the fans have a little distrust for a new coach, but it’s up to me and the team to dispel any doubts.
“I’ve signed a one-year contract with an option for a second and want to lead the team to a high level of competitiveness and only want to do well and take advantage of the competition.”
The Naples-born tactician was quizzed about any potential deals in the transfer market including Udinese midfielder Allan and how he feels about the squad he inherited.
“We have to start from the players who are already here. We have one of the strongest attacks in the league.
“We have signed Mirko Valdifiori which I am very happy about. He was rightly picked for the Italy national squad and can be one of the best midfielders in Europe. Also to get a goalkeeper of Pepe Reina’s stature back is fantastic for the club.
“Allan is a player we like and can do extraordinary things but it’s not always possible to buy such a player.”
