Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, recently spoke to Walter Veltroni in an interview which covered a variety of topics. Here are the most important parts:
On his acquisition of Napoli: "I did not purchase Napoli in the lower divisions, but rather, in court. They gave me some documentation, and I, knowing nothing about soccer, stated, 'where are the players? The offices? The sporting facilities?' The judge looked at me in a strange fashion; there was some commotion. After a certain point I understood that the football association would have to give me ownership and dictate which division we would play in. I had nothing; my wife told me, 'you are a raving lunatic.' My son, Luigi, also told me, 'dad, what have you done.' I responded, 'get off my back.' I wanted to purchase Napoli since 1999: I presented an offer of 120 billion lire to Ferlaino, and he sued me. After five years this opportunity presented itself."
On Napoli's coaches: "Who were the best and worst coaches to work with? I had a good relationship with everyone, because they all contributed to my professional growth. Every coach has strengths and weaknesses, because they are people like you and me. Reja had his strengths just like Mazzarri, who managed to let us play memorable games in the Champions League. Benitez also was fundamental to our growth because he had a vast amount of knowledge with regards to coaching internationally acclaimed players. He also knew how to perfectly maneuver the squad in Europe. Sarri? I liked two things about him. He knows how to tactically set up the players on the pitch; I then knew that with champions like Higuain, Mertens, and Insigne at his disposal he would do very well. Also, I liked that he was a true communist, and a very learned individual."
On Ibra: "A player from another team that I would like to have? The great giant that currently plays for Manchester United. I met him at a dinner in Los Angeles, and he has a unique charisma. When he is on the field, he is always angry. However, in reality he has a great family, and he is an extremely pleasant conversationalist."
