Osimhen is not the owner of Napoli — Ex-Juventus chief says Super Eagles star must be punished
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Victor Osimhen and Rudi Garcia

Osimhen is not the owner of Napoli — Ex-Juventus chief says Super Eagles star must be punished

Faruq Ibrahim 17:40 - 17.10.2023

A Former Juventus executive wants Napoli to show support for Rudi Garcia by punishing Victor Osimhen.

A former Serie A executive, Luciano Moggi, has asked for Osimhen to be punished by Napoli following his substitution row with manager Rudi Garcia.

Moggi, who was a director general at Juventus, was discussing Partenopei’s issues and the uncertainty around Rudi Garcia’s future when he opined that disciplining the Nigeria international is an important step the club must take to steady the ship.

The former Lille striker gestured in disapproval when he was substituted by Rudi Garcia in Napoli's draw against Bologna; however, the club opted not to fine him after he apologised to the coach.

What Moggi said

Napoli’s title defence has gone awry so far, having dropped points in four games already this season—two losses and two draws—and has them seven points adrift of league leaders AC Milan.

Their struggles this season have been attributed to the departure of Luciano Spalletti, who led the Partenopei to the Scudetto last season, and the arrival of a new manager, Garcia, inviting pressure on the French coach.

Moggi believes that Napoli must show that they are totally behind Garcia and must fine Osimhen for his outburst so as to show the coach is in charge.

Victor Osimhen clashed with Napoli manager Rudi Garcia | Imago
Victor Osimhen clashed with Napoli manager Rudi Garcia | Imago
Victor Osimhen was taken off in Napoli's loss to Fiorentina || Credit: Imago
Victor Osimhen was taken off in Napoli's loss to Fiorentina || Credit: Imago

"At the moment, it's true there is a distance compared to last year, but it's there because the change of coach was too traumatic,” he said, per Tribal Football.

“With Garcia, the coach changes, the preparation changes, everything changes. The club must make it clear that it is on the coach's side by educating the players.

"Player education is taught with a fine, even if it is (Victor) Osimhen who makes that gesture. Napoli are strong and the season has just started so we need to put things back in their place. Osimhen is not the owner of Napoli; he must understand that he must give his best."

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