Coach who led Napoli to their first Scudetto win weighs in on Garcia-Osimhen issue

The issue between Osimhen and Garcia seems to be resolved, but Bianchi has shared his opinion

Ottavio Bianchi, the coach who led Napoli to their first Scudetto win in 1989, believes Victor Osimhen should respect Rudi Garcia’s position as the coach to avoid clashes, Soccernet reports.

Two weeks ago, in Napoli’s goalless draw at Bologna, Osimhen showed his annoyance when Garcia took him out for Giovanni Simeone a few minutes before the end of the game. The 24-year-old Nigerian striker was clearly complaining that the Italian gaffer should have left him on the pitch and played two strikers.

This caused a lot of reactions because of the kind of influence he has at the club. The Nigerian striker registered 31 goals across all competitions last season, so he is highly revered in Naples.

However, Garcia quelled the tension, stating that he already had a conversation with Osimhen.

Days after, Napoli raised a lot of dust after they posted a mock video of Osimhen missing a penalty in the game. Although the matter seems to have been resolved, the relationship between both parties has suffered a dent.

Speaking on the incident between Osimhen and Garcia, Bianchi, who coached Napoli for five years, says there has to be mutual respect between the coach and the player.

“I don’t like talking about things I don’t know. I just say that Osimhen is unique and has already demonstrated his value,” Bianchi said per Napoli Magazine.

“In general, I add that respect for roles is needed, because the player must be the player while the coach does the trainer.”

Napoli are trying to tie down Osimhen with a new deal. Both parties have been in negotiations for months, but it may take a while before the former Lille man agrees.