Koulibaly urges Napoli to keep coach Sarri, or possibly lose them both

One would expect at least two of our constant stories to resolve one way or another in the next two weeks. Antonio Conte should learn his future in the next 7-10 days, while Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri’s release clause expires at the end of the month. Their fates may quite possibly be intertwined, though probably not to the extent that some swap-deal aficionados have speculated.

But speaking of intertwined fates, star Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, another name quite common in the Chelsea rumor mill, has strongly urged his team to keep their current head coach, with additional recent rumors insinuating that if Sarri does leave, K2 would possibly follow close behind (and full back Elseid Hysaj as well).

“I think we ought to continue with Sarri, though of course the decision is down to him and the President. Sarri is different to every other Coach. He lives for football and is always watching the videos of other teams, of our own games and sessions, because he wants perfection.

“With a squad like this, we need that kind of staff to help us grow and go forward. I hope Sarri will stay as long as possible, because Napoli need him.”

There were a few scattered rumors yesterday of Napoli tendering a contract offer after De Laurentiis decided to play nice, but if Koulibaly’s still talking in hypotheticals, those negotiations can’t be too far along.

And speaking of hypotheticals, K2 doesn’t quite believe it would take an eye-watering €100m to get Napoli into some transfer talks for him. I’m sure his agent was tearing his hair out behind the cameras as the same time.

“It’s nice to hear I am worth €100m on the market, but I don’t know if that’s an accurate sum. My objective is to continue working. I was very young when I arrived here, and grew up at Napoli as a man as well as a player. I became a father and this city gives you a sense of confidence that you don’t get elsewhere.

“In future, after my career has concluded, I will certainly return to Naples because my son is Neapolitan and has to see where he was born.”

-Kalidou Koulibaly; source: Sky Italia via Football Italia

But what about his more immediate future?

Fresh K2 rumors incoming! You cannot topple that mountain.