Napoli have announced the arrival of their new manager, three-time Champions League winner, Carlo Ancelotti who will take over for Maurizio Sarri as it’s likely he is expected to become the new Chelsea boss.
In what may be one of the most important moves in the club’s history, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has made a statement by securing the services of Ancelotti.
The appointment will keep the Partenopei in the mix and will attract big names. It’s rumored that Ancelotti will look to bring in Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal, PSG’s Angel Di Maria, and Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema. As for the current players he’ll look to build around, it is reportedly going to be Lorenzo Insigne, stout defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and Polish international Arkadiusz Milik.
The decision has created a massive divide among Napoli fans, as many believe ADL severing ties with Sarri was unjustified.
In his three seasons at the club, Sarri has gotten the best out of players that were once average (e.g. Dries Mertens), created a brand of football admired by many, and in each of his three campaigns had broken the club’s total points record.
Firing someone who finished with 91 points is unheard of, and many wished that Sarri’s time at the club had ended on better terms. However, it was well known that Sarri was looking to move on at the end of the season.
When asked about a renewal or decision, Sarri and his agent often gave ADL vague answers, forcing ADL to make a decision – and what a decision it was. This will be Ancelotti’s first time managing in Italy since he left AC Milan in 2009, a place where he wont two UEFA Champions League trophies.
According to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, the 58-year old joins Napoli on a three year deal where he’ll make a reported five million euros a year.
This is definitely a massive step forward for Napoli and will see them as the front runners once again to dethrone Juventus, while also adding a highly successful manager with European pedigree in domestic football’s main competition.