Napoli’s decision to exclude Victor Osimhen explained by club director

BY Issa Said
August 11, 2024
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Napoli has officially clarified the reasons behind Victor Osimhen’s exclusion from the first team under new head coach Antonio Conte. The Nigerian striker, once a key player for the club, has found himself sidelined in recent weeks, a decision that has now been explained by the club’s director, Giovanni Manna.

In a statement to SportMediaset, Manna addressed the growing speculation surrounding Osimhen’s absence from the squad, stating that the decision was made to protect the “integrity and harmony of the group.”

His comments shed light on the internal dynamics at Napoli, suggesting that the striker’s presence was seen as potentially disruptive.

“We have players in the squad ready to replace him,” Manna confirmed on Saturday evening, indicating that the club is prepared to move forward without the 24-year-old forward.

This marks a significant shift for Napoli, who had previously relied heavily on Osimhen’s goal-scoring abilities.

Rumors had been circulating about a rift between Osimhen and the new coaching staff, with Conte reportedly dissatisfied with the player’s fit in his tactical system.

These rumors have now been substantiated by Manna’s remarks, which suggest that the decision to leave Osimhen out of the squad was not just a temporary measure but a calculated move to maintain team cohesion.

“Osimhen is a strong player, but we want to protect the integrity of the group, and we prefer to protect the harmony of the group,” Manna added.

This statement emphasizes the club’s commitment to a unified and focused team environment, even if it means parting ways with a player of Osimhen’s caliber.

The decision to exclude Osimhen comes at a time when Napoli is reportedly pursuing other options in the transfer market.

One such option is Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, who is believed to be a top target for Conte.

The Italian manager, who took over the reins at Napoli this season, is known for his preference for powerful, target-man strikers, a role he apparently believes Lukaku could fill more effectively than Osimhen.

This development marks a significant turning point in Osimhen’s career at Napoli. After joining the club from Lille in 2020 for a record fee, Osimhen quickly became one of the most promising young talents in European football, contributing significantly to Napoli’s attacking prowess.

However, his relationship with the club now appears to have soured, with the current situation suggesting that his days in Naples might be numbered.

Conte’s arrival at Napoli has ushered in a new era for the club, with the experienced coach looking to reshape the squad according to his vision.

The exclusion of Osimhen, coupled with the pursuit of Lukaku, indicates a shift towards a more physical and direct style of play, which Conte has successfully implemented in his previous managerial stints.

As Napoli prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will likely be on how the team adapts to Conte’s methods and how new signings, like Lukaku if the transfer materializes, will integrate into the squad. Meanwhile, the future of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain, with the striker potentially looking for a new club where he can continue his development and showcase his talents.

For Napoli, the decision to prioritize team harmony over individual brilliance reflects a broader strategy aimed at long-term success, even if it means making difficult choices in the short term.

Whether this approach will pay off remains to be seen, but it is clear that the club is determined to forge a new path under Conte’s leadership.