Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna spoke at the ongoing Social Football Summit in Rome, an international event dedicated to the football industry
Napoli sports director, Giovanni Mannatalk to Social Football Conference taking place in Rome, an international event dedicated to the football industry. Below are his statements reported on the website Sky Sport: “The competition is long. We know where we started from and we are trying to return to what Napoli De Laurentiis was. We are focusing on that.
It doesn’t bother me to hear that I’m young. In the beginning, however, it presents difficulties as you find yourself talking to people you loved on TV. I have a slightly different image, also because I am not a person who has played. Today, however, our figure is changing.
The second team? It is complex. The second team is definitely something that should not be an end in itself. There is a longer and more expensive way behind it.
The algorithms? I think they are support. Numbers help you but they cannot decide for you. I’m a romantic, I still believe that scouting is based on going to see a football player.
The Manna touch? He must have free image rights (laughs, ed.). But you know how the market works, you have to be ready for every situation because things change.
Photo rights? I found myself thinking about this for the first time this year, in some cases I had forgotten. I convince the player first and then we update the information.
Environment in Naples? As I often say, it is important to focus on the times of the season. You need to be clear in negative and positive times. It’s a warm city that gives us so much, I didn’t expect it. Every day you find yourself in situations where people ask you and you feel it is your duty to provide. Last year was complicated but they were still positive. The expectations are high because two years ago we won a championship. At the moment we are not thinking about that goal. We have to stay focused.
Conte from De Laurentiis? The experience I have now is extremely positive. De Laurentiis has a certain kind of depth. From the outside I was worried but I can say I am happy. He let us work. The choice of coach was basic. I am 36 years old and it helped me to have a coach like that. I can say without shame that he was also a coach to protect me.
First contact with Napoli? After Juventus-Frosinone a number I don’t know calls me and I don’t answer. The same number calls me back the next day, I answer and it’s Chiavelli. I spoke with Juventus and met Dr. Chiavelli. When an important club like Napoli calls you, you can’t say no. Fear? First no, then a little yes.
While he was with Conte? The first meeting at his house. We first met because we hadn’t met at Juventus. He wanted to get to know the team. He had already spoken to the president about the economic plan in October. He immediately said that Di Lorenzo and Kvara should not be touched.
Transfer market? We had the diktat to make the move with Victor leaving because Victor wanted to leave. This is known and I am not saying anything new. Then we didn’t sell Victor but given how well Napoli had worked in previous years we still managed to make the move.
Rinnovo di Kvaratskhelia? We want to reward his trip in Naples. However, he has two more years with us. We must agree on all points. We’ve talked about it already and if it doesn’t open we’ll talk about it again at the end of the season. We agree with the player not to pull us from the field.
January transfer market? We are always careful to improve the current team. We will seize if the right opportunities arise. It must be said though that we have invested a lot. Things must be done logically.
Lucas? Romelu is a soccer player that is convenient for everyone in Italy. It is computationally and performance-proof. He is a football player who moves in our competition. Every week there is controversy about it. He is not a player that can be discussed. He is a player who really wanted to come to Naples.
How did Thomson get there? At first I wanted to borrow it. How did I get it? With a little imagination.”
2024-11-19 16:20:00
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1. You mentioned that Napoli’s goal is to return to what Napoli De Laurentiis was. Can you tell us more about this and how you plan to achieve it?
2. You mentioned that the second team is complex and that there’s a longer, more expensive way behind it. Can you explain this statement further and how you manage the relationship between the first and second team?
3. Given that you have a background in data analytics, do you believe that algorithms can completely replace human scouting in player recruitment?
4. You mentioned that the Napoli environment can be both positive and negative. In light of this, how do you maintain a balance between addressing fans’ expectations and keeping the team focused on their goals?
5. You mentioned that your experience with Antonio Conte has been extremely positive. Can you share some insights into how he has supported you in your role as sports director?
6. When you first joined Napoli, who were some of the key players you had to work with and manage their transfers?
7. You mentioned being cautious but also logical in the January transfer market. Can you elaborate on the criteria you use for identifying potential transfer targets and how you balance the needs of the team with financial constraints?
8. The signing of Victor Osimhen was a topic of discussion in the interview. Can you share your perspective on the situation and how you managed to secure the deal despite his initial desire to leave?
9. Regarding Kvaratskhelia’s contract, what are your thoughts on renewing his contract and how do you approach these negotiations?
10. what role do you think Lucas Leiva plays in Napoli’s success this season and how has his experience in the Premier League translated to his performance in Serie A?
