Kalidou Koulibaly Explains the Role of New Napoli Coach in His Career

• Kalidou Koulibaly has hailed Napoli's new boss Francesco Calzona
• The Al Hilal defender was at the peak of his powers at SSC Napoli
• The Senegal centre-back played eight seasons at the Serie A club

Senegal and Al Hilal star, Kalidou Koulibaly, was one of the best central defenders in the world while he was at Na[oli.

The defender had to be patient for game time when he arrived in Naples in 2014. He has disclosed how new Napoli boss, Francesco Calzona, who was working under Maurizio Sarri, helped him settle and thrive at the club.

Koulibaly played eight seasons with Napoli. In his first season (2014/15), it was clear he needed time to settle in his new surroundings. Under Rafa Benitez, he won the Italian Supercup in his first campaign.

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Under Sarri and Calzona, Koulibaly realized his potential. In a possession-heavy style, the defender was a vital piece for the team.

Sarri constructed a dangerous and consistent team which challenged for the title for several seasons. Koulibaly was unplayable in many games under Sarri. Although he didn't win a Serie A crown, he won the Coppa Italia.

The 20121 Africa Cup of Nations winner made 317 appearances and left Napoli a legend, per Transfermarkt. The club won the Scudetto shortly after he left.

Koulibaly on Calzona

His journey to becoming a world-class defender wasn't easy. He needed help from Napoli coach Calzona.

“Not many know it, but when he arrived at Napoli with Sarri, I wanted to leave,” he said via Football Italia.

Calzona helped set Koulibaly on the right path at the club.

"‘If you correct two or three things and follow my and Sarri’s advice, you’ll have chances to play many matches.’ I replied: ‘You are not the coach, you are his assistant, you can’t make him change his mind.’"

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“He insisted that I was wrong. And he was right. He did everything to keep me at Napoli and, alongside Sarri, he changed my career.”

The Senegal star had a difficult 2022/23 season at Chelsea, and Calzona was there to help him. Calzona has won two and drawn three of his first five matches in charge of Napoli.

Koulibaly lauds Ronaldo, Neymar

Sports Brief earlier reported on Koulibaly praising Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

He hailed Ronaldo's commitment and love for the sport and Neymar's incredible ability.

Koulibaly is Neymar's teammate at Al Hilal and has come up against Ronaldo many times in his career.