Recently, Napoli’s Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been at the center of controversy in the football world.
The Nigeria international’s performances on the pitch and incidents off the pitch have raised questions about his future at the Serie A club.
The story surrounding Osimhen’s relationship with coach Rudi Garcia and his overall influence on Napoli has sparked debate among soccer fans.
Many wonder if Osimhen’s problems are due to him alone, his coach, or a combination of both.
The former LOSC Lille star has not scored a goal since scoring a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe, with defeats against Genoa, Braga and now Bologna. That’s worth remembering.
Osimhen had a clear chance to break the three-match deadlock against the Red and Blues, but the Nigeria star squandered the chance with a penalty shot wide of the goal.
Isolation on the field
What was common was that Osimhen often looked isolated on the field. Defenders are finding ways to contain him, making it difficult for him to consistently reach the net. It is clear that Osimhen has an increasing need to adapt his game to counter these defensive strategies.
Osimhen is concerned about being isolated in attack and needs more support from his teammates. However, it is important to realize that soccer is a team sport.
His role as the main striker often means he is the focal point of the opposition defence. In moments like this, he has the opportunity to create space for his teammates, but it’s a two-way problem.
Dilemma with coach Garcia
Rudy Garcia also plays an important role in this story. Some argue that his tactical decisions and substitutions did not always maximize Osimhen’s potential.
In certain matches, it was clear that Osimhen needed a partner up front to draw the attention of the defenders, but even with Hviča Kvaratskhelia, the manager’s decision did not coincide with this need. There wasn’t.
It’s no surprise that coaches need to adapt and change tactics when a star player is struggling. In the case of Osimhen, it is important for Garcia to find a way to leverage the striker’s strengths to facilitate a dynamic attack.
Osimhen’s conduct on the pitch
Beyond the tactical aspects, several incidents related to Osimhen were controversial. His attitude towards his replacement Luciano Spalletti has reportedly led to him apologizing in the dressing room, but there are growing concerns about his professionalism and his attitude.
The case of missing a penalty was a typical example. It’s natural for players to feel frustrated, but it’s also important to stay calm and lead by example.
🇳🇬 ❌ Victor Osimhen missed a penalty against Bologna as Napoli played a goalless draw
♻️ He was furious with coach Rudi Garcia after he was substituted in the 86th minute.
Napoli for their league so far 👇
The difference between 1st and 7th place is 7️⃣ points
👀 No work. pic.twitter.com/WNDvJrpXT2
– Football Fan Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) 25. September 2023
No player may force the coach’s hand by doing anything that disrupts the harmony of the team. The demands that Osimhen perceives do not necessarily match the coach’s vision, and Osimhen has to adapt to this.
The way forward
In this story, the question arises: what should Napoli and Osimhen do next? It is important for both parties to find common ground. Osimhen’s potential is undeniable and Napoli’s investment in him reflects their faith in his abilities.
As we move forward, Osimhen must continue to hone his game, adapt to his defensive strategy and continue to maintain professionalism on and off the field. Garcia will also need to explore tactical options that bring out the best in Osimhen and Napoli as a whole.
