Ancelotti Denies Player Mutiny At Napoli
Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti has rejected claims that his players have downed tools as their woeful run of form continues.
The Naples-based club are in a mini-crisis, having failed to win any of their last eight games in all competitions.
In a bid to arrest the club’s poor form, owner Aurelio de Laurentiis ordered Napoli’s players into a punitive training camp last month.
The players flouted the order and there have been reports that Laurentiis is looking to impose fines on them.
Any thoughts of springing a revival following an impressive 1-1 draw with European Champions Liverpool at Anfield last Wednesday were quickly dashed when Napoli suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to lowly Bologna at home on Sunday.
The result left last season’s runners-up in seventh place, 17 points behind leaders Inter Milan after just 14 games.
"The team is against the coach, they say. But it isn't so,” Ancelotti, who has been linked with Arsenal recently, told reporters after the game.
"I have an excellent relationship with the squad. No one has ever failed to respect me. I don't see any friction between the players and us.
"We exchange ideas every day, the situation must be resolved quickly, because we are failing badly.
"It's not a problem of tactics, more of an attitude problem," Ancelotti added. "Three days ago we showed great solidity against Liverpool, and we played with three midfielders.
"We have conceded many goals, it's true, we need solidity, but it is the mental aspect that must be improved by taking even a smidgen of responsibility.
"The fans are disappointed and I can only agree with them. I must be more lucid in order to resolve this situation."
