Photo credit should read CARLO HERMANN /. / .Images
When Walter Mazzarri was guiding an exciting Napoli team to the Champions League group stage for the first time a decade ago, the Italian strategist seemed to be on the same path as many of his players.
But while Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and one Edinson Cavani would retain their place at the top of European football for a few good years, the latter still strong as Manchester United’s number seven, it’s been a while since we saw Mazzarri. operating on such an elevated stage.
Since being fired by Inter Milan seven seasons ago, the 59-year-old Tuscan has endured a forgettable season at Watford and 25 months at the helm of Torino; His tenure ended in February 2020 with a sad 4-0 beating at the hands of Lecce.
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So it’s hard to figure out how we should feel about reports that Mazzarri has set his sights on the vacant managerial position at Celtic (Sunday Post).
Gary Hooper, Thomas Rogne and Georgios Samaras wore green and white when Mazzarri was transforming Napoli into Serie A contenders, shouting orders from the bench in scenes straight from Top Gun.
For the better part of a decade, a fifth place in the Inter and Europa League standings with Torino is the closest Mazzarri has come to genuine success on the bench. His brief stint at Watford ended with nine defeats in 13 matches.
Photo of Ian MacNicol /.
On the other hand, there are not many coaches within Celtic’s grasp who could come to Glasgow with an enthusiastic recommendation of a genuinely world-class footballer on their CV.
Mazzarri, unlike Eddie Howe, Mick McCarthy, Dan Petrescu and company, has worked with the best at the elite level and has also made a great impression.
“We all have beautiful memories of him,” Cavani, who scored 104 goals in 138 games with Mazzarri, told Tuttosport in 2018 (Football Italia).
“I hold in my heart beautiful images of the time we spent together in Italy. I remember it very fondly.
“He’s a great guy.”
Maybe a great guy, but a great coach? A mixed record, and a nine-year trophy drought, means Celtic supporters are right to be cautious.
Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE /. through .
In other news, Report: Arsenal expect a summer deal for Celtic star Odsonne Edouard as two Gunners could leave
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