Noah Okafor has introduced himself as a new Napoli player, and is very much looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge under Antonio Conte.
It was an odd winter transfer window for Okafor, starting with when he travelled to Germany to complete a move to RB Leipzig but had to fly back less than 24 hours later because the deal had collapsed. The reason was a late attempt to change economic aspects of the operation.
Okafor then appeared destined to remain at Milan but in the end he moved on deadline day, joining Napoli on a loan with option to buy deal on the final day of the window. He made his debut for them in the closing stages of their 1-1 draw with Udinese at the weekend.
Interviewed by Radio CRC, Okafor spoke about the decision to join Napoli and what drew him to the idea of working under Conte aside from instantly being in a title challenge, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
Why Napoli?
“Napoli is a great club. I’m working hard to get back to my best form. Soon I’ll be able to express myself at my best again and therefore make a difference and help the team”.
What is the training like at Napoli?
“You push yourself and work hard in training. It’s something new for me at the moment, so it’s difficult, but I’m convinced that’s what I need: to train hard every day and push my limits. I’ll be back to my best level soon.”
And the team?
“Napoli is a team that runs a lot, defends and attacks all together: I think this is their strong point. The team has a lot of quality and the coach is very good.
“I always think that in football you play matches based on how you train. When you work well in training and push hard, then you express it on the pitch too.”
How were you welcomed by your new team-mates?
“The team welcomed me very well. The players are all motivated to work hard, there is a good atmosphere. I think that if we continue like this we can achieve our goals.”
What is your preferred role?
“I can play as a winger, both on the right and left, and as a central striker. I’ve played both next to a single striker and with two strikers. Based on my characteristics, my favourite position is that of left winger, because there I can use all my qualities and make the difference.
“I can express myself better in one-on-one situations, attacking space in behind, cutting in and trying to score.”
He is definitely coming back to Milan in the summer, although Okafor was signed on loan to replace Kvaratskhelia, there’s no way he is gonna display a quarter of the quality Kvaratskhelia displayed for Napoli.
Well considering that last name roughly translated means Quarterskhelia you never know. 🤣🤣🤣
You my friend, have a big brain on you. 🤣
If he reach fitness Milan already won, he is still very young and probably many other clubs needs someone like Okafor .
I think he’ll be at his best as a supporting striker
“Napoli is a great club” – I guess he has to say that even though their morals are notch below the mafia’s…
“I can express myself better in one-on-one situations, attacking space in behind, cutting in and trying to score.”
you just hate Milan?! I watch all the games, you have done nothing for you to be talking like that…
This seems like a good choice for him. He can focus on getting his fitness levels right in a club playing just 1 game a week. Not likely to get a lot of minutes but he should have more stability that the chaos at Milan.
Hopefully he plays enough to appeal to potential buyers for the off season.
What is the training like at Napoli?
“You push yourself and work hard in training. It’s something new for me at the moment, so it’s difficult…”
What?? Either he’s lying or the question of what exactly do we do at Milan? Do they not train hard or something (not far fetched btw) ? Reminds me of when Cassano said he was shocked by how hard Pirlo trains…and he would have been the best if he did what Pirlo did… while he used to fake being ill to get out of training 🤦♂️
The last thing that happen to Milan was not signing Conte ,sarri or allergri
Attack attack attack with out plan and u don’t have that players for the system
That try ur luck leao will keep confusing Milan and the best players int that position will be sold for him
If the new coach values his job,he should keep leao on the bench and change his approach to his tactics
Milan team is build to impose there game opponents,if u want to play 4 2 3 1 and attacking formation, u should go to th market and sort for the players not leao and chukwueze and co