Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has denied that there has been a rift with midfielder Allan, contrary to reports in the media as of late.
Allan, as confirmed by Gattuso, has been subject of some offers and relations between the player and club are understood to have become strained but the former AC Milan midfielder insists that he has no problem with the Brazilian and is willing to work with him to get him back to his best after his performances have declined lately.
“Players are professionals and it does not matter if their contracts are renewed or not. I respect my players and would climb up mountains for them, but they have to work for me too. I want them to respect the club, to respect their profession and their teammates too,” he remarked in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia following their 1-0 win over Cagliari.
“If someone comes to me and says, sorry, my mind is not on the job, I’ll shake his hand and say alright then. Allan had important offers, but that’s up to the club, it has nothing to do with me.
“There is no problem with Allan, we begin with a clean slate tomorrow, there is no resentment, and I will work to get him back to his best.”
Gattuso, who has been in charge of the Stadio San Paolo club was also asked about Dries Mertens future with the club.
Mertens’ contract is due to expire at the end of this season and reports have linked him strongly with a free transfer to Inter, who have reportedly already tabled him a pre-contract offer.
“If people ask me what I think of players, I will give an opinion, but it is not my money to spend, that is not my job. I can give an opinion, but I am the manager, I don’t want to be a director.”
