With a smile that can sometimes be devilish, though not right now, Aurelio De Laurentiis appeared at Castel Volturno and put himself forward, spreading in the air the calm that this gloomy and sad time does not convey. This is not the moment to despair, since similar situations have happened in the past. To put out the flames of the crisis, the Napoli president, ADL, turned to common sense: he had a coffee with coach Allegri and sporting director Manna, left two words for the squad, avoiding further stress with possibly “motivational” speeches, and viewed this crisis of results with a mix of rigor and lightness, aiming to clarify ideas. The situation is serious, but not yet critical, though it could become so, so there is no point in pretending or hiding behind stock phrases. Those who live with football know this, and even those who stay at a distance can understand that appearances can be deceptive. De Laurentiis expressed to Allegri his sympathy, which stems from a decade-long appreciation, did not (of course) issue ultimatums, and with him and Manna he talked not about trivial matters but about the reasons for a sudden drop in the team’s performance.
If it loses 7 of 14 matches, there must be a fundamental problem; if it systematically concedes goals in the last half hour of matches, then there is another serious issue; and finally, if the infirmary holds almost as many players as those who need to be sent onto the pitch tomorrow against Lazio, then other important questions arise. These situations bring inevitable answers: in the summer, intervention through signings was needed, bringing fresh, quality players to Napoli. But there is also something else, and there are merciless figures, linked to an absolute and surreal injury emergency, as well as errors by the department and individuals that have significantly affected and slowed the team’s progress over the last three months, operating in silence and without shine.
For three hours, De Laurentiis stayed at the Castel Volturno training centre, waiting for the players in order to rouse them with a pat on the back and words of encouragement before training began. “You are strong and good lads,” he told them, choosing an approach different from the past, when he knew how to use theatrical reprimands and strong warnings such as “This is a tempting city.” After the meeting with the players, the president had lunch and then returned to Allegri to calm him down. “Calm down, I am optimistic and so are you,” he told the coach, stressing the need to be realistic in the face of the current situation.
Because the unspoken also exists and must not be ignored; Castel Volturno should not be imagined wrapped in sugar and free of problems. Fourth place in the league remains the main, even vital, objective, and reaching the next round of the Champions League also provides considerable energy, not only economic. De Laurentiis guaranteed Allegri the understanding that such a borderline situation requires, but also asked for firm answers from the match against Lazio, which serves as a turning point between one direction and another. This match is a need to have indications that encourage the team to stay within achievable ambitions. Tomorrow, from 12:30, there will certainly be a moment of truth, which the squad must deliver while avoiding public noise (“Stay united, that’s how we get through it”) and demonstrating that it knows how to express on the pitch what the coach asks for. It is clear, even banal, that the mood and philosophy of the team will be shaped by the result (and also by the performance). De Laurentiis hopes to see again what he appreciated against Bodø/Glimt and also against Roma, so that reassuring, perhaps even electrifying, messages come through, so that he is not forced to close in on himself to reflect and question the coach who represents his choice, a wish pursued at least three times over the years and with whom he wants to continue for the three-year deal they promised each other on 29 May.
The squad has a mission to accomplish, and yesterday Napoli preferred to withdraw into a bubble, constantly facing a coach who is often placed in the category of managers and who, as a result, knows how to handle the criticism he endures. And then, it will be the pitch that reports the essential arguments of this endless weekend, which Allegri, as a football man, faces with a rigor that goes beyond the veneer of lightness. Beside him are Manna and Sinicropi, the technical area, and De Laurentiis, who governs with authority and command. The moment is serious, it cannot be made critical… That’s how football goes.