Slutsky confirms Tottenham asked for Kvaratskhelia before Napoli move | OneFootball

Former Russia coach Leonid Slutsky has explained why Khvicha Kvaratskhelia didn't move to England in the summer.

The former Rubin Kazan winger has been outstanding since his summer arrival at Napoli.

Rubin coach Slutsky said on transfer expert Fabrizio Romano's podcast: "After the first successful season at Rubin, there were a lot of rumours around him and some clubs were really interested in him. Some clubs were confused by the price. He is not a cheap player. I think the price was right. But he was a young player, after the first season, he didn't have any fantastic statistics. Only 4 goals and 3 assists. I think many clubs had doubts. Take Tottenham, for example.

"Usually you need a player who is definitely ready for the starting XI. You want a player who will be in the squad. Of course, the clubs had doubts about Khvichi and his performance, his defensive play.

"For example, in Russia, bright players like Khvichi, every defender tries to cut down in the first challenge. Our referees do not always control the game well. For example, in the game with Milan, the first hard challenge against Kvaratskhelia is a yellow card. This is the correct position. If you are a good referee, you should protect bright players. Everyone comes to look at them, and not at the tackles, dirty players and when players are trying to cut down.

"We talked with him after the season and I said: 'You have to leave in order to develop further'. I worked in England, Holland, the national team and I know that a footballer needs extra motivation to develop. If you are the best in the team, then you need to change it - a very simple rule.

"I think that he left at the right moment, to the right club, to a great coach in a great league. He is incredibly happy and wants to develop, to prove himself in the Champions League. He ended up in a fairy tale and is very happy about it."