Napoli coach, Walter Mazzarri, has admitted that the impact of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in the Napoli team could have bought him more time at the club before he was fired on Monday.
Walter Mazzari was sacked Just three months into the job and just two days before their Champions League last 16 first-leg tie against FC Barcelona.
Mazzarri, 62, was appointed as the Gli Azzurri boss in November after a poor start to the season under Garcia. At the time of his arrival, Osimhen was battling with a hamstring injury.
Osimhen’s injury and absence during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast meant he couldn’t be there for the manager, participating in only eight games under Mazzarri.
During this period, Napoli faced difficulties without their key player, managing only three wins out of nine games.
Since his return, Osimhen has been sidelined due to fitness concerns and Mazzari was expecting to use for Napoli’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Barcelona before he was relieved of his duty.
“I was hoping to manage against Barcelona with Victor Osimhen on the pitch.” He said.
