Rudi Garcia's control over the Napoli dressing room comes into question as Mateo Politano became the latest to publicly disagree with being substituted after Khivcha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.
Matteo Politano became the latest player to publicly dissent against Napoli boss Rudi Garcia after Victor Osimhen and Khivcha Kvaratskhelia had previously done the same.
Politano fires at Garcia
The winger was substituted in the 57th minute, while the eventual loss against Fiorentina was still a deadlock at 1-1.
19:02 - 24.09.2023
Osimhen 'para' for Napoli coach Rudi Garcia for taking him off after missing a penalty
Victor Osimhen missed a penalty for Napoli in a goalless draw against Bologna and was substituted off shortly after, much to the displeasure of the Nigerian.
07:35 - 25.09.2023
Napoli's Rudi Garcia responds to Osimhen tirade
French coach Rudi Garcia has defended himself and his team selection from criticism following a drab draw against Bologna in Serie A
As Il Mattino reported, the 30-year-old Italian forward protested against the French manager while he was substituted, gestured with his hands in protest, and refused to greet Jens Cajuste, who he was swapped for.
The dissent he showed has sparked inquiries into the level of respect Garcia commands in the dressing room, as Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia, Napoli's biggest stars from last season, also had such cases with the former Roma coach.
Napoli could fire Garcia
Meanwhile, Napoli's title defence is going awry so far, and with the recent loss to Fiorentina, manager Rudi Garcia's future is said to be uncertain, and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is being evaluated as a possible replacement.
The French manager had big boots to fill when he accepted the Partenopei role, as he was replacing Luciano Spaletti, the coach who led Napoli to their first league title in 33 years.
Napoli have struggled to replicate the form they showed under their former boss, or even the fluency in their style of play.
The results they have gotten so far exhibit this; Napoli have already dropped points in four of eight matches this season, two losses and two draws, keeping them fifth on the log, seven points adrift of league leaders Milan.
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