Ghoulam says Napoli's future rests on coaching choices and talent

Inside a bustling Napoli café, former left‑back Faouzi Ghoulam sits down with the Corriere dello Sport, recalling the highs and lows of his blue‑shirt career and offering his view on Lautaro Vergara. He speaks of the injury that altered his path, the eras under Rafa Benitez and Maurizio Sarri, and the club’s lingering ambitions.

The interview, part of the Ultime notizie SSC Napoli series, sees Ghoulam reflect on a career cut short by a serious knee injury. He explains how the setback forced him to retire early, despite his desire to win titles with Napoli.

When asked which side reminds him of Sarri’s Napoli, Ghoulam points to Como, noting the club’s attractive style but frequent turnover. He adds uncertainty about whether Cesc Fabregas will remain there much longer.

Coaching legacy at Napoli

Ghoulam praises club president Aurelio De Laurentiis for his eye for managers, listing the likes of Rafa Benitez, Maurizio Sarri, Carlo Ancelotti, Gennaro Gattuso and Luciano Spalletti. He believes the club has consistently attracted top‑flight coaches, a point he describes as a hallmark of Napoli’s ambition.

Speaking of today’s most evolved coaches, Ghoulam mentions Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Antonio Conte’s sides, saying he would have loved to work under Conte. He also recalls sacrificing both knees in his quest to bring glory to Napoli and expresses admiration for Juventus under Spalletti.

Young talent and title hopes

On the topic of emerging players, Ghoulam insists that Lautaro Vergara is not a youngster but a ‘fortissimo’ talent, describing him as a great player already. He adds that Vergara currently lags slightly behind peers only because of a recent coaching change.

Ghoulam then turns to the new forward Favasuli, calling him explosive with a strong leg and foot, and lauding his rapid progression. He believes Favasuli can become a valuable addition, already injecting extra energy, and predicts his best football will emerge in five to six years, though he is unsure whether he will play centrally or as a pure winger.

Regarding the title race, Ghoulam says he hopes AS Roma under Gasperini can lift the league title, even if some Roman fans are superstitious. He stresses his loyalty remains with Napoli, wishing Roma the same joy that Neapolitans have known.

Ghoulam’s reflections underline how past triumphs, managerial choices and nurturing of youth continue to shape Napoli’s identity, offering a roadmap for future success.