Napoli is looking ahead, and it does so with one very specific key word: planning. This was confirmed by sporting director Giovanni Manna, who in an interview with Sportmediaset reviewed the club's current and, above all, future, starting with its relationship with Antonio Conte.
"Are we already planning next season with Conte? It's normal, we're always planning, we've known each other for two years, the work we've done is incredible and positive," the manager explained, emphasizing how the harmony with the coach is now solidified. "Under other circumstances, we wouldn't be third in the standings and we wouldn't have won a Super Cup; we'd be talking about other things, so we're looking to the future with peace of mind."
Among the inevitable topics is Scott McTominay, who has become a key player for the team. Manna leaves no room for doubt regarding the relationship between the club and the Scottish midfielder. "Scott is an important player, he's happy to be in Naples; I think he shows it when he plays and when he experiences the city. He has two years left on his contract, and we have an extremely clear and frank relationship with him," he said. He then clarified the transfer rumors: "We're talking, it's not a current topic. We know Scott's importance, and to date we haven't received any offers, partly because the player has never expressed a desire to leave."
The sporting director also focused on the impact of Alisson Santos, one of the new faces of the season. "It's been positive because he's a very humble, energetic, and hard-working guy. As for his buyout, his right to a free transfer has already been defined, so there's no need to do anything."
Finally, a look at the season's overall results. For Manna, qualifying for the Champions League, combined with winning the Super Cup, would be a fully satisfactory result. "It would be an extremely positive season. We must remember that in two years we won an unexpected Scudetto and then the Super Cup in a clear and deserved way."
The manager reiterated that Napoli's primary objective remains a consistent presence in the Champions League qualifying positions, although daily work can push the team to aim even higher. "Our goal has always been to reach the Champions League positions, but it's clear that during the season, the growth of the squad and the work can also lead you to aspire to something more."
A path that this year, according to Manna, has been slowed primarily by injuries. "This year it wasn't possible because there was a succession of long-term injuries that affected our performance," he explained, while also noting the team's consistency throughout the season. "We mustn't forget, however, that Napoli has always been first or second when they had everyone, and then third. The team has been consistent."
Reading the article, it seems to me that programming is the right word. I'm neutral but perplexed; it's really not clear how it will be managed with Conte and Scott McTominay, who is important but remains an unknown. Injuries have slowed everything down and the team needs to be regenerated, but a sense of apparent continuity remains.