Manna Explains Lang's Exclusion: "Inappropriate Behavior, He'll Watch the Game With Me"

Just minutes before the kickoff of Napoli-Arsenal, Sporting Director Giovanni Manna spoke ahead of the Champions League debut for Massimiliano Allegri's team, who were facing the reigning European and English champions. Amidst discussions of the field and the transfer market, which closed on September 1st, Manna also took the opportunity to explain the surprise exclusion of Noa Lang.

Napoli, Manna to Prime Video: 'Fans Expected More from the Market, but We...'

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video before the Napoli-Arsenal match, Sporting Director Giovanni Manna stated: "The fans expected something more from the market. We were aware that we had a suitable squad. The market was strange in Italy, and we preferred not to make many changes to avoid upsetting the existing balance. We've had many injuries, though that's not an excuse. We'll see what happens by December." Regarding the criticism of Allegri after the San Siro match, Manna was unfazed: "Criticism is always part of the game. This job can lift you to the stars one day and bring you down the next; it's normal. Against Como, we made mistakes, which we also made in Milan. But yesterday, we saw Inter's quality, and we played a very good game against them. Today will be extremely difficult; we need to make fewer mistakes. Criticism is fair if it's constructive."

Manna to Sky: 'Too Early for Alarmism'

Giovanni Manna also spoke with Sky Sport: "We've spent the hours before this evening as we always do when facing a big team – with attention, curiosity, and a desire to compete on a stage like this. It's too early for alarmism. We've won one and lost two, making several mistakes ourselves. Against Inter, we created a lot and made errors against a team that had a great performance in Madrid yesterday."

Manna on Lang: 'Not Even in the Squad List for Inappropriate Behavior'

Moving from the league to the Champions League, DS Manna commented: "We need to be calm but not complacent; we want to achieve results starting tonight, even though it's a very tough match. From tomorrow, we'll focus on the league, trying to recover some players and energy. De Bruyne? His first season last year was cut short by injury, but he brings quality and experience. He can help us in these matches, but Napoli isn't just him. The team has its values, and we need to put them on the field." On Lang being left out of the official squad list, he added: "He didn't behave appropriately, so he'll watch the game with me. He has apologized to the group and the coach, and the matter is closed."