Warns Kvaratskhelia And Osimhen, Calzone Tak Silau Big Name Players

Napoli's new coach Francesco Calzona doesn't care about the big name Victor Osimhen (center) or Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. (X/@sscnapoli)

JAKARTA - Napoli's new coach, Francesco Calzona, warned top players, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, against being adventurous. Calzona said it was firmly unaffected by the big names of the players.

There are a number of top players in Naopli. However, Calzona made sure they would not be privileged. Callona has proven his remarks when Napoli drew 1-1 against Barcelona in the first leg of the last 16 of the 2023/2024 Champions League.

At the duel at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Thursday, February 22, 2024, early morning WIB, Kvaratskhelia played until the 68th minute. He came out and was replaced by Jesper Lindstrom when Napoli was still 0-1 behind through Robert Lewandowski's goal.

The decision of former assistant coach Luciano Spalletti to bring Napoli to the Scudetto angered Kvaratskhelia. However, Calzone didn't care.

In fact, he then pulled Osimhen who had just scored an equalizer. He was replaced by Giovanni Simeone just two minutes after breaking into Barca's goal.

"I only maintain players who are in the best condition on the pitch. I have never seen the big names of players," said Calzona, who also attracted midfielder Matteo Politano because he was considered to have decreased in the second half.

"Matteo Politano played amazingly in the game. He defended very well. However, if he didn't play well, he was replaced with another," said Calzona.

Calzone's attitude and decision that did not care about the big name of the player made Kvaratskhelia disappointed.

The Georgia national team player also refused to greet the coach and teammates on the bench as he left. He chose to go straight to the dressing room rather than sit on the bench.

"The character of the top player. He played a very role like last season. If in the end he was replaced, this is because of his poor performance. It's natural if there are players who play badly," said Calzona.

"Kvara has to work even harder. I'm not disappointed with his appearance. It's just that his movements are so lacking that he can't get past his bodyguards. However, I'm quite satisfied," he said again.

Kvaratskhelia herself became the first player to leave the stadium. He also immediately walked away while crossing the mixed zone.

Calzone also has a strong reason to withdraw Osimhen. According to him, Osimhen will actually be replaced before scoring a goal.

"I withdrew not after he scored. I was actually about to pull him early, but I was waiting for him for a while. This is more of a tactic," said Calzona.