While there was a team expected to reach the semifinal of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a>, injuries were a huge factor for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/belgium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belgium</a>. The loss of Youri Tielemans before the match began was joined by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/thibaut-courtois/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thibaut Courtois</a>‘ muscle issue that made <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rudi-garcia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rudi García</a> substitute him out.



Courtois said: “I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem staying in goal, only taking long kicks. In the end, the manager decided to take me off. That’s no problem because the team comes above everything.”



It was a 2-1 loss made even more painful by how it ended. Courtois was attended by the medical staff before being replaced by Senne Lammens in the 71st minute. The issue was that Lammens left a rebound for Mikel Merino to score near the end after a weak shot from Pau Cubarsí.



<h2>Courtois wants a long break</h2>



There’s no denying that Courtois has made history with Belgium, not just by representing his country at club level with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> but also by being the national team’s goalkeeper for many years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/10221916/courtois-2-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-664924"><figcaption>Lammens was the goalkeeper who replaced him (Luke Hales/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



That period did not come without problems, as he had already been exiled from the team from mid-2023 to 2025 after a disagreement with former manager Domenico Tedesco about the captaincy. Now, he admitted he wants to take a long break from international duty before returning.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/video-thibaut-courtois-leaves-belgium-vs-spain-in-tears-after-being-forced-off/"></div>


Courtois said: “I’d like to take a break from the Nations League, which isn’t that important, and return for the Euro qualifying campaign. It’s a decision that has to be made together with the federation. If they agree with that plan. Otherwise, today would have been my last match.”



<h2>Courtois on Real Madrid</h2>



Clubs are already making moves to be ready when the competition ends, with Real Madrid among the most active after also hiring <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jose-mourinho/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">José Mourinho</a> as their new manager. Courtois said: “Real Madrid have signed good players and a top manager. Now it’s up to us to respond.”

‘The manager decided to take me off,’ Thibaut Courtois reveals he could have continued in Belgium’s loss to Spain

‘The manager decided to take me off,’ Thibaut Courtois reveals he could have continued in Belgium’s loss to Spain - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/folarin-balogun/">Folarin Balogun</a>‘s overturned red card emerged as the defining storyline of the tournament on Sunday, as a shocking retrospective review by FIFA cleared the USMNT striker to play in Monday’s high-stakes knockout clash against Belgium. Following the controversial ruling, Belgian head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rudi-garcia/">Rudi Garcia</a> heavily criticized soccer’s global governing body, offering a candid and biting assessment: “It’s April Fools.”



Balogun was originally issued a straight red card after a dangerous challenge where he stamped on the ankle of Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, a disciplinary action that was supposed to mandate his suspension for the Round of 16 battle against Belgium. However, just 24 hours before kickoff, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> released a stunning statement revoking the striker’s ban, noting that “the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”



The unprecedented decision sparked instant outrage among the affected parties, and when pressed on the matter during Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Garcia did not hold back his frustration: “I didn’t know that at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/">World Cup</a> the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football.“



<h2>The White House reportedly contacts Infantino to review Balogun’s red card</h2>



Immediately following the initial ejection, Balogun received public backing from head coach Mauricio Pochettino and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usmnt/">USMNT</a> his teammates, who collectively argued the challenge did not warrant a straight red card. While standard tournament rules dictated the field decision could not be appealed at that moment, prompting the striker himself to state that “a yellow card would’ve been fair,” a sudden turn of events triggered reports that high-level communications were taking place between the U.S. government and top FIFA executives.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/05165209/tarik-muharemovic-bosnia-folarin-balogun-usmnt-1920x1080.webp" alt="Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States fouls Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina." class="wp-image-663372"><figcaption>Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States fouls Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina.</figcaption></figure>



According to an initial report from soccer insider Ben Jacobs, which was later verified by the Associated Press, officials from the White House directly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a formal review of Balogun’s disciplinary status. Despite the high-profile outreach, governing body sources insist political influence played no role in the ultimate reversal, pointing instead to the independent nature of the disciplinary panel and the specific regulatory powers contained in Article 27.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/why-was-folarin-balogun-sent-off-in-the-usmnt-vs-bosnia-and-herzegovina-2026-world-cup-match/"></div>


Nevertheless, in the immediate aftermath of the ruling that officially wiped out Balogun’s suspension, both the White House and President Donald Trump publicly celebrated the governing body’s administrative pivot. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!,” the American president posted on his social media network to applaud the decision.



<h2>Belgian federation releases formal statement over Balogun ruling</h2>



Before the Red Devils’ head coach voiced his personal disbelief over the ruling, the Belgian Football Federation (KBVB) had already issued a scathing official statement regarding the revocation of Balogun’s suspension. Throughout the formal dispatch, the federation outlined its legal stance on how the decision directly contradicts established tournament bylaws.



“The KBVB reacts with bewilderment to FIFA’s decision that the suspended American player Balogun would still be eligible to play for the USA – <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/belgium/">Belgium</a> match this coming Monday, July 6th at 17:00 (Seattle time). FIFA bases this decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The article states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee can decide to suspend the implementation of a previously issued disciplinary measure,” the federation’s opening statement read.



“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code states that a red card automatically entails a suspension for the following match. Cf. all previous red cards at this FIFA World Cup. Regardless of the above, the decision directly goes against the regulations of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competitions, as recorded in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.‘”



The federation concluded its message with a direct challenge to the integrity of soccer’s primary governing body: “Furthermore, the automatic nature of a suspension was explicitly reiterated in the specific FIFA World Cup 2026 – Circular No. 16, which was sent out to all participating nations on May 12, 2026. To protect the legitimate rights of all participating nations and the general fair play of our sport, now and at all future FIFA World Cups, the KBVB is continuing to thoroughly study this matter.“

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia slams FIFA over Folarin Balogun suspension U-turn: ‘It’s April Fools’

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia slams FIFA over Folarin Balogun suspension U-turn: 'It's April Fools' - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> finally achieved one of his biggest objectives in Saudi Arabia when Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title under Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese manager arrived with a clear mission, and after guiding the club to the championship, he chose to walk away from the project with his promise fulfilled.



The achievement marked a historic moment for both Ronaldo and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr-2/">Al-Nassr</a>. However, while Jorge Jesus delivered the trophy that had eluded the club for years, a closer look at the numbers raises an intriguing question about whether he was actually the coach under whom Ronaldo performed at his highest level.



Jorge Jesus officially stepped down shortly after leading Al-Nassr to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/saudi-pro-league/">Saudi Pro League</a> crown. The title was secured with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season, a match that saw Ronaldo score twice and play a decisive role in the celebrations.



Speaking after the triumph, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jorge-jesus/">Jesus</a> explained that helping the 41-year-old win the league had been one of the main reasons he accepted the position in the first place. “I came here to help Cristiano and this club to win,” the veteran coach said. “We did an incredible job all together… now for me it’s time to go.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A week has passed… the feeling hasn’t 💛😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/Eomko4gG4m">pic.twitter.com/Eomko4gG4m</a>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2060394204275077217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



The veteran manager revealed that he had planned his departure long before the season ended. Thus, he is said to have informed club officials and Ronaldo at the beginning of the project that he intended to stay for only one campaign.



<h2>Ronaldo’s numbers under each Al-Nassr coach</h2>



His success ultimately delivered Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and restored belief among supporters who had endured several disappointing seasons. However, while Jesus achieved the ultimate objective, statistics suggest that Ronaldo’s most productive spell may have come under a different manager.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/26120048/ronaldo-jorge-jesus-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-646915"></figure>



Since arriving at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has played under five different coaches. The numbers reveal some surprising differences in terms of goals, assists, and overall attacking output. Under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rudi-garcia/">Rudi Garcia</a>, Ronaldo recorded 11 goals and two assists in 12 matches. During Dinko Ilicic‘s brief tenure, he managed three goals in seven appearances.



The most productive period came under Luis Castro, where Ronaldo produced 54 goals and 16 assists in 56 matches. Under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/stefano-pioli/">Stefano Pioli</a>, he registered 31 goals and two assists across 35 games. &nbsp;Meanwhile, under his compatriot Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 38 matches, helping Al-Nassr secure the league title.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Coach</th><th>Matches</th><th>Goals</th><th>Assists</th><th>Goal Contributions</th><th>GC per Match</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Rudi Garcia</td><td>12</td><td>11</td><td>2</td><td>13</td><td>1.08</td></tr><tr><td>Dinko Ilicic</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0.43</td></tr><tr><td>Luis Castro</td><td>56</td><td>54</td><td>16</td><td>70</td><td>1.25</td></tr><tr><td>Stefano Pioli</td><td>35</td><td>31</td><td>2</td><td>33</td><td>0.94</td></tr><tr><td>Jorge Jesus</td><td>38</td><td>30</td><td>4</td><td>34</td><td>0.89</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>The coach who got the best out of Ronaldo statistically</h2>



When comparing total goal contributions per game, the figures point clearly toward Luis Castro as Ronaldo’s most effective coach at Al-Nassr. Castro oversaw 70 goal contributions in 56 matches, producing an impressive average of 1.25 goal contributions per game. Ronaldo also achieved his best goals-per-match ratio during that period, scoring at a rate of 0.96 goals per game.



By comparison, CR7 averaged 0.89 goal contributions per game under Jorge Jesus, despite the team ultimately lifting the league trophy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s most prolific soccer outside of Europe may have arrived under Castro, but the long-awaited championship finally arrived under Jesus.

Cristiano Ronaldo won Saudi Pro League with Jorge Jesus, but another coach got the best out of him: Comparing CR7’s goals, assists, and win percentage under each Al-Nassr coach

Cristiano Ronaldo won Saudi Pro League with Jorge Jesus, but another coach got the best out of him: Comparing CR7’s goals, assists, and win percentage under each Al-Nassr coach - World Soccer Talk

A shocking confession by Napoli’s president has stunned the world: he wishes he had fired Rudi Garcia on the same day the coach was introduced.



Owner and president Aurelio De Laurentiis spoke frankly about <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-readies-replacements-for-outgoing-manager-rudi-garcia-20231113-WST-469693.html">Rudi Garcia</a>‘s limited time as head coach in an interview with <a href="https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/napoli/2023/12/22-119280622/de_laurentiis_esclusivo_adesso_facciamo_la_serie_e_lite_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corriere dello Sport</a>. His team is now serving as Italian champions.



Luciano Spalletti’s resignation after last season caught everyone off guard by the Partenopei’s selection of the Frenchman.



While looking for a new coach in June, many names came up, including Igor Tudor, Luis Enrique, Christophe Galtier, and Vincenzo Italiano. Whoever Garcia was up against seemed far more suited for the league winners.



Before joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a>, the French coach coached Al-Nassr for nine months. His failure to reach an agreement with their best player, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-year-in-review-the-top-soccer-stories-in-2023-20231219-WST-475178.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, led to his dismissal in April 2023.



<h2>What did De Laurentiis say about other choices?</h2>



Now, De Laurentiis has voiced his qualms with the selection of Garcia after learning that the new manager was inexperienced with the squad. In addition, the manager reportedly had a different soccer mentality than the club’s previous coach.



The former Al-Nassr manager was not even De Laurentiis’s first pick for head coach. It all started when the 74-year-old contacted <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/thiago-motta-appointed-genoa-coach-20191022-CMS-282625.html">Thiago Motta</a>, whose Bologna squad is doing well in Serie A.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="295" height="436" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16051438/image-15-295x436.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-479471" sizes="(max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px"><figcaption>Thiago Motta’s side Bologna side are on fire.</figcaption></figure>



Nevertheless, the pressure of replacing a coach who won the Scudetto was too much for Motta. Therefore, he turned down the job.



“Thiago Motta was the first one I called. It wasn’t so wrong, eh? However, he didn’t feel ready. Do you know what the problem was? He needed to replace somebody who had won the title that way. He thought: ‘What will happen if it doesn’t go well?’



De Laurentiis persisted in his pursuit of a manager and eventually settled on Garcia after contacting Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann, among others. The former would subsequently sign with Paris Saint-Germain.



The final selection was based on the Frenchman’s track record of success in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-serie-a-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Italian Serie A</a>, regardless of his image as a manager of high-profile clubs known for their conflicting locker rooms.



“Then I met Luis Enrique. His parents came to Naples, and he kept me on hold for three days. He asked for so much money. Then it was Nagelsmann’s turn. I spoke to five or six candidates but said 40 to shuffle the cards. I picked Garcia who had finished second twice in Serie A, managing dressing rooms full of champions.”



<h2>What did De Laurentiis say about Rudi Garcia?</h2>



But De Laurentiis quickly came to regret his choice, particularly when Garcia confessed he had never heard of Napoli or seen any of their matches. The 59-year-old former Roma boss had an inconsistent time in Naples, winning eight matches while drawing four and losing four.



As a result, he was let go. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-names-walter-mazzarri-as-replacement-for-rudi-garcia-20231114-WST-470045.html">Walter Mazzarri</a> has been in charge of the coaching duties since then, and his record is three wins and four defeats.



“I realized Garcia [wasn’t the right man] the day of his unveiling. I should have caused a scene and announced, ‘I have just introduced him to you and now he is leaving’. Someone who shows up and says ‘I don’t know Napoli, I never watched one of their matches’ should have made me understand.



“Instead, I took it like a joke. Then he repeated it other times. All he had to do was play the same football as Spalletti.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Insidefoto

Shocking confession: Napoli regret not axing Garcia on first day

A shocking confession by Napoli's president has stunned the world: he wishes he had fired Rudi Garcia on the same day he was introduced.

Shocking confession: Napoli regret not axing Garcia on first day - World Soccer Talk

Napoli sacked manager Rudi Garcia on Tuesday, and it officially replaced the Frenchman with Italian Walter Mazzarri. Mazzarri was the manager of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> from the 2009/10 season to 2012/13. He led Napoli to its best league finish in over 20 years when Napoli finished second that season in Serie A. He steps in for Rudi Garcia, who has been under fire for Napoli’s performances this season.



Rudi Garcia only lasted three months with Napoli. He replaced Luciano Spalletti after the Italian parted ways with the club. Last season, Spalletti led <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-fans-erupt-as-club-wins-first-serie-a-title-in-33-years-20230505-WST-431763.html">Napoli to the club’s first Scudetto</a> since Diego Maradona represented the club in 1989/90. Despite retaining most of the stars of that title-winning side, Napoli has not been able to repeat the success Spalletti delivered. 



Currently, the Italian side is fourth in Serie A. After 12 games, Napoli has six wins, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-draw-against-milan-with-stunning-second-half-comeback-20231029-WST-465803.html">three draws</a> and three losses. Most recently, a loss at home against relegation candidate Empoli spelled the end for Garcia. Napoli is 10 points adrift of league-leading Inter Milan. In the UEFA Champions League, the club has seven points after four games. Therefore, it is on the brink of reaching the knockout stages for a second straight season. Still, the league performances have not been strong enough for the new standard at Napoli.



The performances under Garcia were far too inconsistent for club president Aurelio de Laurentiis. Also, de Laurentiis was not overly fond of Garcia to begin with. After hiring the Frenchman, the club president admitted that he was not at the top of the list. However, the club rolled with Garcia, which may have set it behind the pace in Italy.



<h2>Napoli turning to a familiar face in Walter Mazzarri</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053219/Rudi-Garcia-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-470047" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Rudi Garcia’s Napoli has been struggling compared to last season’s Serie A champions.</figcaption></figure>



Walter Mazzarri has had a journeyman career as a manager. Yet, the major focus of his clubs is in Italy. As stated, his first stint with Napoli started in October of the 2009/10 season. At the time, Napoli was in 14th. Immediately after hiring Mazzarri, Napoli went on an unbeaten run in the league for 15 games. Seven of those games were draws, and eight were wins. Yet, Napoli conceded far fewer goals under Mazzarri. In the end, Napoli finished sixth in that first season. Then, over the next three years, Napoli had finishes of third, fifth and second in Mazzarri’s last campaign.



There were <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-readies-replacements-for-outgoing-manager-rudi-garcia-20231113-WST-469693.html">several other names Napoli was considering</a> to replace Garcia in the current campaign. For example, rumors suggested Fabio Cannavaro and Igor Tudor. For Napoli, Mazzarri was the safest choice given his success managing in Serie A with Napoli in the past.



After Napoli, though, Mazzarri did not succeed with Inter Milan, Torino or Cagliari. With Cagliari, Mazzarri signed a three-year contract early in the 2021/22 season. However, Cagliari found itself in a relegation battle, and the club sacked Mazzarri in May of that campaign.



<h2>A gauntlet to start his second stint</h2>



Napoli sacked Garcia right before a brutal spell of games both domestically and in Europe. That starts in late November on the road against Atalanta, the club directly beneath Napoli in the table. After that, Napoli travels to Spain to face Real Madrid in matchday five of the UEFA Champions League. The two league games following the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu are home to Inter Milan and at Juventus. Napoli then rounds out its Champions League group stage against Braga at home. 



Mazzarri will instantly be under the microscope, and this may all happen without Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian has no expected return date.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Napoli names Walter Mazzarri as replacement for Rudi Garcia

Napoli sacked manager Rudi Garcia on Tuesday, and it officially replaced the Frenchman with Italian Walter Mazzarri.

Last season’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-fans-erupt-as-club-wins-first-serie-a-title-in-33-years-20230505-WST-431763.html">Scudetto-winning side</a> of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> is flailing under Rudi Garcia. The French replacement for Luciano Spalletti has struggled in his first 12 league games at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. With six wins, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-draw-against-milan-with-stunning-second-half-comeback-20231029-WST-465803.html">three draws</a> and three losses, Napoli sits fourth in the Serie A table. It is 10 points adrift of Juventus, which leads the current table. 



As a result of the club’s struggles, Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis has already named potential replacements for the boss after three months in charge. Last season, Spalletti’s Napoli side only had four losses in the entire league season. Garcia’s Napoli has three losses, and it has dropped points in half of the games this season. 



<h2>A changing Napoli side</h2>



Garcia did have to deal with some changes to the squad that won the Scudetto with Spalletti. Kim Min-jae left for Bayern Munich, and the South Korean was a mainstay in the defense that conceded just 28 goals in Serie A play last season. This season, Napoli is already up to 13 goals against. Napoli’s incoming signings have not overly succeeded yet, either. The Italian side spent over $30 million on Jesper Lindstrom from Eintracht Frankfurt. The German attacking midfielder has made just one start, and he is yet to contribute a goal or assist to Napoli. 



Prior to this past weekend’s loss at home to Empoli, Rudi Garcia said he wanted to make supporters happy. However, his tactics have not suited last season’s elite players. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen combined for 38 goals and 18 assists. An injury to Osimhen has forced the Nigerian out of six games after another strong start to the campaign. Osimhen had six goals in eight Serie A appearances before a hamstring injury sent him to the sidelines. Kvaratskhelia still has a decent seven goal contributions, but it is not the pace he was setting last season. Osimhen’s absence certainly hurts in that regard.



<h2>Naming another manager at Napoli to replace Rudi Garcia</h2>



When Napoli hired Rudi Garcia, de Laurentiis admitted the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/conte-rejects-napoli-unexpected-frontrunner-to-replace-garcia-20231012-WST-461752.html">Frenchman was not his first selection</a>. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/former-juventus-president-top-coaches-do-not-want-napoli-20231103-WST-467029.html">already-ruffled relationship</a> cannot bode well for Garcia’s confidence in a Napoli side ripe with expectations. Moreover, it may spell an early exit from the Italian club.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053239/Cannavaro-de-Laurentiis-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-469733" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Fabio Cannavaro, pictured here with his brother Paolo, has been spotted in the President’s box with Aurelio de Laurentiis.</figcaption></figure>



If de Laurentiis sacks Garcia, there are several candidates he could bring in. One of the names circling the rumor mill is 2006 Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro. According to the <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Napoli/12-11-2023/napoli-chi-al-posto-di-garcia-fabio-cannavaro-tudor-e-mazzarri-fra-i-papabili.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, Cannavaro has long sought after the manager role at Napoli. Cannavaro spent his youth career and four seasons at the senior level with Napoli. After moving away in 1995, he had spells with Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid. He is the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or, doing so in 2006. 



Importantly, Cannavaro has a close relationship with the passionate de Laurentiis. The Italian executive would, therefore, have increased support for the former defender.



Another potential name is Igor Tudor. Recently, Tudor was the manager of Marseille. However, he parted ways with the French club when he cited his ‘tiredness’ with Marseille. He led the French outfit to a third-place finish in Ligue 1, which got it into the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League. The Croatian manager previously managed Udinese on two occasions and served as an assistant at Juventus.



Walter Mazzarri, who managed Napoli for a handful of seasons in the late 2000s, is the third name that could take over at the club. Gazzetta reports de Laurentiis is not overly fond of a previous manager coming back, though.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Napoli readies replacements for outgoing manager Rudi Garcia

Last season's Scudetto-winning side of Napoli is flailing under Rudi Garcia, and the club could make a change just months into his regime.

The faithful of Napoli were preparing to pick up where they left off before the end of the previous winning campaign. Since the squad finally won the Italian league after 33 years, the city of Naples has scarcely stopped partying.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> won the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-serie-a-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Serie A</a> championship with five games to spare last season thus the team was met with chants of ‘champions’ in their last few games. This season’s home games have been met with the same enthusiastic chanting as previous ones.



However, the Partenopei have taken the field looking something different lately, in part because of the change in leadership. The team’s former coach, Luciano Spalletti, resigned, citing a need for a sabbatical, and was replaced by Rudi Garcia. His aggressive strategies had won acclaim from around Europe.



The 59-year-old departed Al-Nassr by mutual agreement in April, not long after it acquired Cristiano Ronaldo. Even before teams in the nation started actively recruiting star players from Europe.



<h2>Conte swiftly rejected Napoli last month</h2>



So far, however, the Frenchman’s adventures in Italy have not gone well. Unfortunately for Napoli, Garcia has not been able to sustain the success of his predecessor. Currently, Napoli sits in fifth place.



There have been some encouraging indications from the club in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a>. Napoli defeated Braga and Union Berlin while narrowly losing to Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the French coach is under increasing scrutiny.



Sky Italia claimed in October that the Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis was considering firing head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/victor-osimhens-agent-threatens-to-sue-napoli-after-club-fiasco-20230927-WST-458762.html">Rudi Garcia</a> after the squad got off to a shaky start. De Laurentiis met with Garcia and the club’s personnel last month to talk about the direction of the project.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053650/Rudi-Garcia-Napoli-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-467224" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Napoli has not been as dominant as it was last season under new boss Rudi Garcia.</figcaption></figure>



The Blues’ chairman wanted Antonio Conte to replace Rudi Garcia as manager. But Conte’s representatives <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/conte-rejects-napoli-unexpected-frontrunner-to-replace-garcia-20231012-WST-461752.html">quickly shot down the offer</a>. Neither financial nor technical factors played a role in his decision to reject the offer.



Since then, TEAMtalk reported the Napoli administration compiled a shortlist of three coaches. Any of those coaches could replace Garcia in the closing stages of the season. One of those is Graham Potter, who has been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/graham-potter-tied-to-surprising-move-as-international-manager-20231102-WST-466867.html">a candidate for several clubs</a> since leaving Chelsea. 



In addition to Potter, former Marseille coach Igor Tudor and current River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo of Argentina are candidates.



<h2>Former Juventus President takes swipe at Napoli</h2>



Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli criticized Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis. The Juventus executive states no coach wants to work for him at Napoli. “I think [Rudi] Garcia is safe in his position now because no other coach wants to join Napoli,” he told <a href="https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/cobolli-gigli-contro-de-laurentiis-nessuno-vuole-allenare-il-napoli-per-colpa-sua-1895568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radio Kiss Kiss</a>.



“De Laurentiis said he spoke to many coaches who didn’t want to come to Napoli and will regret it. Someone who says things like that has to realize that coaches are not stupid, and it is not easy for them to deal with a President who has such a strong presence.



“The story that De Laurentiis went into the locker room is a useful strategy, but if he always does this and wants to be the coach, then just go the whole hog, give him coaching badges and let him run the team.”



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Former Juventus President: Top coaches do not want Napoli

Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli criticized Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis and Napoli's failed pursuit of top-level coach.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is considering his options, including Antonio Conte, to replace Rudi Garcia.



Napoli sits fifth in the Serie A standings with 14 points after eight games. That comes after four victories and two draws. In comparison to last season, under Luciano Spalletti, they were one of the most dynamic teams in Europe.



Positive results against Braga and a tight defeat to Real Madrid signaled progress for Garcia’s players in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a>. However, the French coach is under increasing scrutiny.



<h5>Meeting to discuss Rudi Garcia’s future</h5>



The former Al-Nassr manager succeeded Luciano Spalletti at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> this June. Both fans and experts had conflicting responses to the Partenopei’s decision to employ the manager. Now, Garcia is under the microscope.



President Aurelio De Laurentiis met with Garcia and other club executives on Monday. According to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/napoli-garcia-esonero-situazione-news-9-ottobre-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a>, this led to an open evaluation of whether or not the 59-year-old is suitable for the position.



Thus, Napoli is contemplating firing the Frenchman in the next few days. Consequently, it can begin looking for a successor during the current international break. Many high-profile managers have been mentioned in connection with the Italian side since the news spread.



<h2>Conte makes swift decision on Napoli call</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🔵 Antonio Conte had a long, direct talk with Napoli today. Discussions were not positive as Italian coach decided to keep waiting for new opportunity. Napoli president De Laurentiis spoke directly to Conte but no agreement. Antonio prefers to wait before accepting new job. <a href="https://t.co/UbHYKXpnAa">pic.twitter.com/UbHYKXpnAa</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1712153071055245693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



As it turns out, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wanted to replace Rudi Garcia with Antonio Conte as head coach. However, Conte’s rejection was quite plain.



Neither financial nor technical considerations played into his stated decision to turn down Napoli’s offer, as confirmed by <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/conte-allenare-serie-a-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio</a>. The former Tottenham boss declined the position because he would rather have a pre-season training camp to get ready for the next season.



De Laurentiis has opted to continue with Garcia for the time being, but the next games are crucial. Napoli, meanwhile, will have to explore its alternative possibilities. Relevo, a Spanish news outlet, suggests Lopetegui for the job because of his extensive coaching experience with the Spanish national team, Sevilla, and Wolves.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PPAUK

Conte rejects Napoli, unexpected frontrunner to replace Garcia

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