Serie A champions, Napoli, have appointed Rudi Garcia as their new coach to replace Luciano Spalletti, who is currently on a sabbatical after helping the club end a 33-year Serie A title drought.
The 59-year-old Frenchman, who previously managed Roma in Serie A and won a French league and cup double with Lille in 2010-11, was most recently in charge of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia before being removed near the end of the season.
French tactician, Rudi Garcia. Source: Getty
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who announced the appointment of Rudi Garcia, said:
"I am pleased to announce that, having met with him over the last 10 days, Mr. Rudi Garcia will be the new coach of Napoli. We wish him a warm welcome and the best of luck!"
With names like Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann, and Gian Piero Gasperini linked with the job, Garcia's appointment is likely to be viewed as underwhelming by Napoli fans coming off the high of their first Serie A title in 30 years.
One of Garcia's first major challenges will be convincing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who played a key role in Napoli's title-winning season, to stay at the club.
Napoli's President, Aurelio De Laurentiis. Source: Getty
Osimhen's outstanding performance resulted in 31 goals in all competitions, attracting interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
De Laurentiis, on the other hand, has made it clear that he has no intention of parting ways with the 24-year-old unless it is on his terms.
Napoli is set for an important new season where they will have to ensure that they are able to build on their success this season. And more importantly, maintain the free-flowing attacking style of play that they have been associated with this past season.
The Frenchman has notably used a 4-2-3-1 formation on most occasions, and Napoli fans will be looking forward to his strategies and tactics as they hope for continued success under his leadership.
