Napoli's De Laurentiis Renews Criticism of Spalletti: 'Coaches Are Just Employees'
The short version
- De Laurentiis said coaches 'remain just employees' when asked about Luciano Spalletti
- Spalletti won the 2023 Scudetto with Napoli, then left for the Italy job weeks later
- Spalletti is currently head coach of Juventus
- De Laurentiis cited two Scudetti and five cups in 22 years of ownership
- He also raised plans for a new stadium away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reopened his feud with Luciano Spalletti while receiving an award in Rome, saying managers should remember their place.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revived his long-running dispute with Luciano Spalletti while speaking to reporters at an award event in Rome. Asked about the coach, who led Napoli to the 2023 Scudetto before leaving the club and taking the Italy job weeks later, De Laurentiis made clear his irritation remains.
“Don't make me talk about Spalletti,” he said. “Coaches must understand that they are collaborators called to direct the orchestra formed of the players, but they remain just employees. At times, they tend to forget that.”
Spalletti departed Napoli shortly after winning the title, a decision that produced a bitter split with the president. He is now in charge of Juventus, which the report suggests may add to De Laurentiis' frustration.
The comments also carry weight for Napoli's current coaching situation, with Antonio Conte and present boss Max Allegri having followed Spalletti at the club.
De Laurentiis also defended his own record, pointing to two Scudetto titles, five cup wins across 22 years, and consistent European participation, adding that he achieved success without ever cheating, including through the Calciopoli period. He also discussed plans for a new stadium separate from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
