He expected a lot — Osimhen clears air on relationship with former Napoli coach

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has rubbished suggestions that he had a falling out with former Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti, stressing that he maintained a high level of respect for the Italian tactician.

Osimhen is set to face his former boss, Spalletti, when Galatasaray hosts Juventus in the Champions League playoffs. Ahead of this first leg at Rams Park, the Nigeria international discussed his relationship with his former gaffer.

Despite both helping Partenopei to their first league title in 33 years, Osimhen and Spalletti left Napoli on acrimonious terms. Spalletti fell out with Aurelio de Laurentiis, as did Osimhen with the club hierarchy, after pushing for a move away from the club.

There were rumours of a fractious relationship between Osimhen and Spalletti, but the Nigerian international dispelled the rumours. “People said we argued, but that wasn’t true. I have a lot of respect for him,” he said, per Fanatik.

“He slept at Napoli’s training centre for months, working day and night to convince us we could win the Scudetto. He brought Kim, Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia, and even me to our best form, and we achieved victory with a club that hadn’t managed it in decades.

“He expected a lot, but he gave you a lot. Some coaches help you develop as a person first and then as a footballer.”

Osimhen had one of the best seasons of his career playing under Spalletti at Napoli, scoring 27 league goals in the 2022/23 season to win the Capocannoniere, as he led Partenopei to their third league title.