Osimhen denies disagreements with Spalletti: ‘He worked night and day’

Victor Osimhen praises Luciano Spalletti and denies disagreements with his ex-Napoli coach: ‘He worked night and day to convince us that we could win the Scudetto.’

Spalletti and Osimhen reunite in Istanbul this evening, when the Nigerian striker will lead Galatasaray against Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.

“It will be exciting to face a top club. We know we have no room for distractions because any error against them can cost dearly, and then I’ll reunite with Spalletti,” the striker told Gazzetta.

Osimhen and Spalletti won the Serie A title at Napoli in 2022-23, but the coach left the Stadio Maradona in 2023, while the striker moved to Galatasaray a year later.

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen explained what led to his departure from Naples, claiming that the Partenopei treated him “like a dog” before his exit in 2024.

Osimhen, however, spoke positively about Spalletti, insisting that they shared a good relationship.

“People said we argued, but it wasn’t true. I respect him so much,” Osimhen said.

“He slept for months in the Napoli training centre, working night and day to convince us that we could win the Scudetto. He brought Kim, Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia and me in our best condition, winning with the club that hadn’t done it for years.

“He was very demanding, but he also gave you so much in return. Certain coaches make you grow first as a man and then as a footballer.”

Osimhen added that Juventus tried to sign him in 2024 through their previous director, Cristiano Giuntoli, when Spalletti was the Italy national team coach.

Under Spalletti, Osimhen scored 49 goals in 71 Napoli appearances across two seasons.