Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has disclosed details of the club’s search for a new manager, revealing conversations with several high-profile coaches. In a recent interview, De Laurentiis mentioned that the club was in close talks with Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona and Spain manager, but the deal fell through due to Enrique’s salary demands.
According to De Laurentiis, the negotiations with Luis Enrique were extensive, lasting three days in June. However, despite nearly reaching an agreement, Enrique ultimately declined the position as he was seeking a “huge salary” that Napoli was not willing to meet.
Other Managerial Considerations
The Napoli president also touched upon discussions with Julian Nagelsmann, the young German tactician known for his innovative approach to the game. However, De Laurentiis stated that there was “no way” to come to terms with Nagelsmann, implying that an agreement could not be reached.
Furthermore, De Laurentiis revealed that Thiago Motta, who has been carving out a managerial career after a successful playing stint, was the club’s primary target for the managerial role. Despite this, Motta turned down the opportunity to manage Napoli.
The search for a new manager is a critical decision for Napoli, as the club looks to maintain or improve upon their competitive standing in both domestic and European football. The president’s openness about the managerial search provides insight into the challenges faced by football clubs in securing the right fit for such an influential position.