Manna: ‘Napoli wary of damaging delicate balance’ with new players | OneFootball

Napoli director of sport Giovanni Manna insists they are wary of ‘damaging the delicate balance of the team’ with January reinforcements and comments on Lorenzo Pellegrini rumours.

Their trip to Genoa kicks off at Marassi at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Lazio on the Liveblog.

The pressure remains on the Partenopei now that they are playing catch-up with leaders Atalanta and they face this difficult trip to a Genoa side still unbeaten under Patrick Vieira.

“Every game is difficult, that’s what this season is telling us, nobody will give us anything for granted. We have to earn the points in every match with desire and effort, because every opponent is very organised and it is a tough league,” Manna told DAZN.

Napoli linked with January moves

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: Frank Anguissa of Napoli talking to his head coach Antonio Conte during the Serie A match between Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 24, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Alessandro Buongiorno is out of action for a couple of months after a back injury in training, so Juan Jesus plays in defence with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia only fit for the bench.

Manna was asked if Napoli are planning to bring in an extra defender in the January transfer market to replace Buongiorno.

“January is always a tricky situation and you also risk doing damage to the delicate balance of a team that is doing very well. If there are opportunities, we are ready to take them, but they must improve is in the short and the long-term. We don’t want to ruin the balance of the side.”

There have been reports that Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini could be a target for the Partenopei after his on-going problems with the Giallorossi supporters.

“He is a player of another club and every day a different name seems to come out in the papers. We are only concentrated on the current squad and if there are opportunities, we will take them,” replied Manna.

As for the current squad, Manna’s focus is therefore on negotiating new contracts for goalkeeper Alex Meret and other players, most notably Kvaratskhelia.

“We are working on Meret’s contract, the same for Olivera and other players, because we are planning for the future. We’re optimistic, these players are eager to stay at Napoli and continue the journey.”