Future looks bleak for Sarri
Napoli’s bid for title shattered after Torino draw
MILAN: Maurizio Sarri’s future as Napoli coach was thrown into doubt after the dramatic 2-2 draw against Torino shattered their bid for a first Serie A title since the days of Diego Maradona.
Juventus opened up a six-point lead on the southerners with two games left to play and are all but assured of a seventh-straight Scudetto.
“I did everything I could to get as many points as possible in the competition that the Neapolitan people cared more about,” said Sarri.
Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has blamed the 59-yearold for the team again falling short of their objective of winning the title they won in 1987 and 1990.
“I’m sorry if he’s not happy. My conscience is clear,” said Sarri, who has been touted as a successor to Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager and also been linked with a move to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
“I have nothing to answer back. He is the man who gave me the opportunity to coach the club that I’ve always supported.
“I know that if I stay here, the president will continue to make these statements.”
Sarri brushed aside reports that he was ready to hand in his resignation.
“I cannot even comprehend that sort of talk,” he said.
“The Neapolitans are wonderful and this was a game where we ran the risk of feeling sad. They sang and cheered at the end, so we can ask for nothing more.
“If the era is over, that’s down to the club.
“If the club cannot keep hold of six or seven of these players, then clearly an era is over.”
Meanwhile, captain Marek Hamsik urged Sarri to remain at the club he has coached since 2015.
Hamsik – who overtook Argentine legend Maradona as the club’s alltime leading goal scorer this season -- came off the bench to score his 100th Serie A goal.
“I really hope Sarri stays, because he has helped improve both the team and everyone around Napoli.
“It’s fundamental that he remains, as he created a spectacular group and the fans know it too, which is why 50,000 come to every game. Our objective now is to set a new all-time club record for Serie A points.”
The club have 85 points from 36 games, one point off their record from last season.