Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have confirmed the appointment of Rudi Garcia as their new head coach, replacing the outgoing Luciano Spalletti who left after leading the club to a title win.
The 59-year-old Frenchman replaces Luciano Spalletti, who left the Naples team to take a sabbatical after guiding them to their first league title in 33 years in the 2022_2023 season.
Earlier this month, the likes of Christopher Galtier and and former Spanish coach Luis Enrique had been previously linked to the vacant post, but Garcia was the chosen to pilot Napoli’s hot seat.
Napoli issued a statement on their website to confirm the appointment, but have not yet disclosed the length of contract.
After the unveiling of Garcia as their new head coach, Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis tweeted: ” I am pleased to announce that, after having known him for the last ten days, Mr. Rudi Garcia will be the new head coach of Napoli.
“To him, the most sincere welcome and a good luck wish.”
Garcia also took to Twitter to react to his appointment, adding: “What a pleasure to join Napoli’s project. What pleasure to return to Italy.
“I am motivated and ambitious, now more than ever, to continue to bring up the colours of the Italian champions ”
Garcia last managerial role was two months ago after he left his role as the head coach of Saudi Arabian side Al_Nassr by mutual consent.
Garcia steps back into management just two months after leaving his role as head coach at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr.
The Frenchman briefly coached five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo during his time in charge of the Middle Eastern club, who finished second in the Saudi Pro League table and four points behind champions Al-Ittihad, SportsMole reports.
The Frenchman had previously managed in Ligue 1 outfits Marseille and Lyon between 2016 and 2021 and finished as runner up with the former in the 2017_2018 Europa league final to winners Atletico Madrid.
The Nemours-born coach’s most notable year in management was with Lille in the 2010-11 campaign when he won the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France, and was subsequently named Manager of the Season.
Garcia previous experience in Italian football was with Roma, and he managed the team for two and a half years winning 61, drawing 34 and losing 23 of his 118 games in charge before being sacked in October 2016 and replaced by his predecessor Luciano Spalletti.
Napoli will be in Pot 1 for the group-stage draw of next season’s Champions League and will be regarded as one of the frontrunners to secure another Scudetto title.
Garcia is set to embark on a hectic summer transfer window, with the future of key players lije Victor Osimhen and Kim Min Jae hanging by a thread.
