Napoli considering sacking their manager ahead of Barcelona clash in the Champions League – report

According to a report relayed by Mundo Deportivo that Napoli are contemplating the sacking of their current manager Walter Mazzarri following a string of poor results, that too before the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg clash against Barcelona.

Napoli’s recent 1-1 draw against Genoa has put them under troubled waters so much so that they are currently 9th in the Serie A standings.

For what it is worth, the potential decision to fire Mazzarri right before the Champions League encounter isn’t something very sudden as the team has been reeling with bad form. In fact, in their last 10 matches, the team from Naples has won only three.

Napoli’s troubles are Barcelona’s boon

Mazzarri, who assumed the managerial role from Rudi Garcia last November, currently finds himself in a challenging position that demands a positive turnaround from his team in the Champions League. 

In Serie A, Napoli’s last league title, secured in May 2023, feels like a distant memory, with a notable decline in performance. The team has only managed three wins in their last eleven league games, highlighting their evident struggles. 

All this has resulted in speculations that suggest that, were it not for the upcoming clash against Barcelona, a change in coaching staff might have already occurred, marking the third coaching change of the season.

Barcelona have luck on their side

Napoli’s struggle this season stems not just from Mazzarri’s management but also from the fact that their star striker Victor Osimhen is not in his optimal condition. 

The 25-year-old Nigerian is returning from international commitment during the recent African Cup of Nations and everything suggests that he would miss the Champions League tie against Barcelona.

“They are very strong, we will try to do our best, as we have achieved at times,” said Mazzarri ahead of the match as he expected Barcelona not just to sit in front of the goal and wait for counters.

As for Osimhen, who is reeling with physical discomfort, the Napoli manager said, “We didn’t want to risk him for a few minutes and then lose him for months, we decided that he should rest, train and we hope to have him recovered and ready for Barcelona.”