Napoli are going to be ****ing great under Rafa. I wasn't sure if it would be a good move for him. Wasn't sure if they had the resources to compete and thought it was a bit risky as they possibly overachieved last year and were about to lose their best player. They seems to be supporting him though and giving him all the Cavani funds so I wouldn't be surprised to see another title challenge and at least quarter/semi final in CL.
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If we are all only happy when we are really winning in the end, when your race finishes, what life would that be? -
Originally posted by Shaggy View Post
Would not rule it out. Seems like he is really getting his teeth into this one and being properly backed, so success is a real possibility. Wish him all the best, would love to see him do well in the CL.
"Its not about the long ball or the short ball, its about the right ball." Bob PaisleyComment
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Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is a key target for Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis as he prepares to reinvest the funds generated by Edinson Cavani's sale to Paris St Germain.
De Laurentiis, who on Tuesday night expressed his disappointment Uruguayan striker Cavani had opted to leave Italy, tempered the news by revealing he has now made 124.5million euros (£108m) available to new coach Rafael Benitez in the current transfer window.
Cavani moved to the Parc des Princes for 64.5m euros (£56m) and a chunk of that fee could now be paid to Real for their wantaway Argentinian forward Higuain, who has also been linked with Premier League club Arsenal.
Quoted in La Repubblica Sport, De Laurentiis admitted in a question and answer session with fans on his official Twitter account that he is pursuing Higuain, his Madrid team-mate Raul Albiol and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao.
He said: "It's true that we're negotiating for Gonzalo Higuain and Leandro Damiao.
"The money we got for Cavani was 64.5mil and added to the 60mil we had set aside for the transfer budget there will be 124.5mil to carefully invest on Napoli.
"There are various names on the table, we're assessing the situation.
"(Albiol) is undergoing medical tests and we hope he passes them."
Napoli have already signed Belgian winger Dries Mertens from PSV Eindhoven and Real striker Jose Callejon as Benitez plots another Serie A title challenge, after the Partenopei finished second to Juventus under Walter Mazzarri last season.
The Bianconeri have not been resting on their laurels, however, adding prolific duo Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente to their frontline in recent weeks.
"Is there an area of the team where we're better than Juventus?" De Laurentiis added. "It's too early to tell.
"Are we targeting the Scudetto or a Champions League semi-final? We're always aiming for the maximum and we'll be competitive both in Italy and in Europe.
"Benitez was an excellent appointment and the new boys are settling in."
100m+ War Chest. Be Interesting to see next season, Might be worth an EW Punt for the title or even the CL_____________________________________
Weak willed, Wank or do they have a masterplan?
Think we have the answer..Slot!!
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124.5m budget
Wonder if they'd be tempted for Suarez
Substance > StyleComment
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Telling everyone how much they have to spend. Usually would make selling clubs push up prices, but this guy must be a tough negotiatorComment
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De Laurentiis is a very good owner. Backs and supports his manager.Originally posted by Sarb View PostComment
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With the team he is building, I think he will surprise a few in the Champions League also. Lot of parallels between Napoli and Liverpool in terms of passion for football. Rafa is brilliant at harnessing that fan passion and creating special nights.Originally posted by Shaggy View PostComment
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Looks like Rafa/Napoli are a good fit, they had a good squad and are building well on it, I will be watching Napoli closely this season. They will love him over there I think.* The above is posted in my opinion. Feel free to disagree.Comment
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Thats pretty impressive squad building right there. Rafa factor probably helps in getting the players there and a gun to the head from the Mafia Boss.Comment
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**** me - looks like Rafa has landed on his feet.
James Philip Milner Fanclub #1
Curtis Julian Jones Fanclub #1Comment
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Still good odds on them winning it - 7/1 on sky betHello mert.Comment
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Napoli don't even have a Director of Football, so it confirms they are his targets.
Bringing in a host of players will require a bedding in period, adjustment to tactics and training methods.
Fiorentina have made some astute signings, and Juventus are the team to beat, adding to their defensive and midfield powerhouse with the striking pair of Llorente and Tevez.
It should make for a more exciting Serie A this season.Comment
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I cant see Rafa getting past Juve unless they have a bad season. They have strengthened all over the pitch, and their biggest weakness has been hugely addressed. They now have Giovinco, Vucinic, Tevez, Llorente and Quagliarella with the later likely to leave.
It would take some seriously quick gelling of new players and a monster season for Napoli to over take them.96 Never ForgottenComment
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James Horncastle @JamesHorncastle 1m
More importantly Benitez says his daughters have given him a pair of Tasmanian devil socks, which he'll wear on the first day of the season
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"This is an important year for us, we want to do well and fight in all the competitions." Blerim Dzemaili is full of energy and enthusiasm when he speaks during his press conference in Dimaro. Napoli midfielder predicts an exciting season...
What about the new Napoli?
"We have changed our way of playing, there are many talented players and we are working on the ball possession because many people have got remarkable technical skills. Our manager asks for more speed and more pressing, so we will have to be more aggressive."
Is ball possession the main characteristic of the game required by the manager?
"Yes, the aim is to rule the action. It is a nice way of playing, compared with the past we are not going to wait for counterattacks, but we must attack first. Of course it takes some time to put everything into practice, but Benitez talks to us a lot and helps us so much, making us understand what he wants from each player."
How have the new players integrated?
"Very well. They are great players and this group is amazing. Whoever comes here will find the perfect harmony."
Which kind of season are you expecting?
"Personally, I would like to continue like I ended last year. The second part of the season was very positive for me. However, the competition is so good and if we want to do well both in Italy and in Europe we must have a big squad."
Without Cavani, will you try to score more on free-kicks?
"We will see. I have a good shot, but there are many technical players here and up to now four or five have been trying the free kicks. According to the different positions on the field we will decide who is going to kick them. It is very important to have many alternatives."
Do you feel that you can step up in class this year?
"Through some important signings, the Club has shown its big ambitions. Napoli has gained some respect also in Europe. We hope that other champions are arriving, because we need a 22-player squad in order to do well. The fact that these talented players chose Napoli makes us proud. We want to be competitive every time we play."We going to win #19th!!
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