Marek Hamsik’s agent says the player is not ready to join Napoli yet, but could take up a role with the club in the future. The recent appointment of Slovakian head coach Francesco Calzona, Maurizio Sarri’s former assistant, prompted speculation that Hamsik would also find a role with the Partenopei. Speaking with Calciomercato.it, agent Martin Petras explained why it’s not the right time for Hamisk to return to Naples:
You were at the Maradona stadium. As a former player, how was Napoli-Barcelona, and how did you see the team under the new coach?
“Napoli-Barcelona was a good match. In the first half-hour, Napoli struggled a bit, couldn’t create much distance. Then they played on equal terms. I also talked to Lobokta and Calzona… Napoli adjusted things at halftime, and the team grew mentally. Towards the end, they even dominated Barcelona. It was a good match; the boys fought back from being behind. But there’s still much work to be done. I know Calzona because he’s the Slovakian national team coach; he’s meticulous, wants order on the field, tactically wants them to be compact and tight. And that’s what he’ll demand from the players, Lobotka also told me the same.”
You mentioned speaking with Lobotka, how’s the mood in the locker room?
“The mood in the locker room is good. When you face Barcelona after winning narrowly against Verona, losing in Milan, drawing with Genoa… no one expected anything positive. Then there’s a coaching change, only two days to prepare… Lobotka knows Calzona from the national team, many players know him as an assistant coach, but only Stan knows him as a head coach. So he told me, ‘you know, there’s a lot of new information for everyone, it takes time.’ We saw it in Slovakia in the first few matches; the team is growing step by step. But it’s different in the national team. I’m convinced Napoli will improve.”
How do Slovaks view the coach’s decision to coach a club just months before the Euros and accept the dual role?
“There are both supporters and critics. The critics are few, mostly envious. When such an opportunity arises, how can you say no? Previously, when there were no results with Slovakia, everyone criticized the coach for always being an assistant. Now that he’s taking charge at Napoli, they’re asking, ‘why are we letting him go?’ And maybe those who criticized him before are saying this now. That’s football; people change their minds. I also spoke with the Football Association; they weren’t very happy initially. President Ján Kovácik, a great person, deserves thanks. It’s an honor for Kovácik too; I spoke with him, and it’s his merit. He believed in Calzona when he was nobody.”
Did Hamsik’s recommendation help Calzona’s appointment as the Slovakian coach?
“No, Hamsik only gave advice to the president. But it’s not easy to appoint a coach based solely on advice. Kovácik spoke with Calzona a couple of times, then he believed in him. Without Kovácik, nothing would have happened. If there were qualifiers, it would have been more complicated. But now there are only two friendlies for Slovakia, important but the coach was too far ahead in preparation. He has already studied and seen the opponent teams for the Euros a thousand times. He has a fantastic staff working day and night. Surely, he’ll manage everything for now, but in the long run, it’s more complicated.”
What about Hamsik’s possible return to Napoli?
“It will happen one day (laughs). Hamsik was with President De Laurentiis at the UEFA lunch before the Barcelona match, and from what I gathered, he liked it. Then De Laurentiis is pushing, but Marek needs time. He knows what to do. He will definitely return one day.”
Is Hamsik coaching in his Academy?
“In Slovakia, he coaches the Under-15 team at the Academy, where his son also plays. Since he retired, he’s been dedicated to this project. Then he also has two other young children. After retiring six months ago, leaving home isn’t easy. It takes time, but one day he will return. Maybe with his son playing for Napoli.”
Lastly, since you spoke with Calzona, has the coach been sleeping these nights?
“He hasn’t slept. Since Sunday, it’s been hectic days; he slept very little, but I saw him satisfied. Francesco Calzona is a great person, and that comes before being a coach. Then, as a coach, he’s excellent; hard work always pays off. I’m happy he’s satisfied because he deserves it.”
