Osimhen is not the owner of Napoli — Ex-Juventus chief says Super Eagles star must be punished

Luciano Moggi, a former Juventus executive believes Napoli striker Victor Osimhen must be punished for his public substitution row with coach Rudi Garcia.

Moggi threw his weight behind Garcia while stressing that punishing Osimhen is an important step the club must take to steady the ship.

He made this known amid the uncertainty that has surrounded Rudi Garcia’s future at Napoli.

Recall that Osimhen gestured in disapproval when he substituted in the game against Bologna; however, the club opted not to fine him after he apologized to the coach.

Moggi said it will be difficult for Napoli to defend its title having dropped points in four games already this season—two losses and two draws—and has them seven points adrift of league leaders AC Milan.

Their struggles this season have been attributed to the departure of Luciano Spalletti, who led the Partenopei to the Scudetto last season, and the arrival of a new manager, Garcia, inviting pressure on the French coach.

Moggi believes that Napoli must show that they are totally behind Garcia and must fine Osimhen for his outburst so as to show the coach is in charge.

"At the moment, it's true there is a distance compared to last year, but it's there because the change of coach was too traumatic,” he said, per Tribal Football.

“With Garcia, the coach changes, the preparation changes, everything changes. The club must make it clear that it is on the coach's side by educating the players.

"Player education is taught with a fine, even if it is (Victor) Osimhen who makes that gesture. Napoli are strong and the season has just started so we need to put things back in their place. Osimhen is not the owner of Napoli; he must understand that he must give his best."

NBA