Napoli manager Antonio Conte has thrown his full weight behind young striker Rasmus Hojlund, insisting the Danish forward still has margin for improve...
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has thrown his full weight behind young striker Rasmus Hojlund, insisting the Danish forward still has margin for improvement even as Manchester United continue to drag their feet over making his loan move a permanent transfer. Speaking exclusively to GoalZaza, the Italian tactician declared that Hojlund has been giving a good account of himself in training and that the lion's share of the blame for Napoli's inconsistent form cannot be placed at his boots. Conte, known for his fierce protection of his players, stated that in the scheme of things, Hojlund is still adjusting to the rigours of the Serie A and that the powers that be at Old Trafford must be patient. The Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, a former Napoli hero, has been following the situation closely from his new club, and many Super Eagles fans are watching to see if Hojlund can truly fill those formidable shoes. At the end of the day, the transfer market waits for no man, and GoalZaza understands that the Red Devils are yet to trigger the permanent clause in the agreement. Conte, however, is resolute. He believes that with more time on the pitch, Hojlund will repay the faith shown in him by the Neapolitan club. The stalwart manager is not one for quick judgments, and he has warned that writing off a young player after a few matches is a fool's errand. At viewing centers across Surulere and Wuse, the story of Hojlund has sparked heated debates. As young men gather around flickering screens in the humid Lagos evenings, they shake their heads at the thought of a player struggling to find his rhythm. One man in a faded Super Eagles jersey shouts that Conte is right, that the boy needs time, while his friend retorts that Manchester United should have gone for a more clinical finisher. The air is thick with the aroma of roasted groundnuts and the passionate arguments of fans who know that in football, patience is as rare as a Champions League trophy in Abuja. They all agree on one thing: the transfer saga is far from over, and the next move from the Manchester club will be closely watched by every Nigerian football enthusiast who loves a good market day drama. The final word, for now, belongs to Conte and his belief in the raw potential of his young striker. GoalZaza will keep you updated as this story develops.
