“He wants to win and drags the team” – Former Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia says he is now working with player similar to Cristiano Ronaldo
Napoli manager Rudi Garcia recently likened Victor Osimhen to Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about the Nigeria international in an interview.
Garcia was appointed as the head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr on June 29, 2022, prior to the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The pair worked together upon the Portugal superstar's arrival in January for close to three months before the former left the club by mutual agreement on April 13.
The Frenchman was shown the door despite boasting an impressive win percentage of 69.23, winning 18 of his 26 games in charge.
The reason was likely due to a lack of silverware, with Al-Nassr failing to win the league, Saudi Super Cup, or King Cup of Champions.
Garcia replaced Luciano Spalletti as Napoli's manager on June 15, marking his return to Serie A after seven years.
The club had an industrious 2022–23 campaign, winning the league and finishing at the summit with 90 points.
Much of their success was due to the stellar form of star forward Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old had an incredible season, scoring 31 goals and providing five assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Rudi Garcia spoke to DAZN Heroes about the opportunity to work with Osimhen, saying (via Tuttosport):
"Victor is a crazy dragger: he wants to win and drags the team. A bit like Cristiano Ronaldo: when he wins he's delighted, he calls the team, he wants to take a souvenir photo… I like it, he's one of the best in the world as a centre-forward. It's nice to see that a player who could only play the offensive phase defends like crazy, presses, comes back, helps the team."
Despite being monitored by the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Osimhen is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal at Napoli that includes a mammoth €150 million release clause.
Seko Fofana reveals Cristiano Ronaldo's behavior with Al-Nassr teammates
Seko Fofana recently divulged what Cristiano Ronaldo's behavior is like with his teammates at Al-Nassr.
Fofana was signed by Al-Nassr from Lens on July 18, signing a three-year deal for a reported transfer fee of €25 million.
The 28-year-old was immediately deployed into the starting XI, forging a good understanding with the recently signed Marcelo Brozovic.
When asked about Ronaldo's behavior, Fofana replied (via @mdrjalnassr on Twitter):
“He [Ronaldo] is very likable and simple. In the evening, we talk about everything – nutrition, work, life in general. You find yourself talking with Cristiano. It is funny."
Seko Fofana and Cristiano Ronaldo were recently able to win their first piece of silverware for Al-Nassr on August 12.
The Knights of Najd defeated Al-Hilal 2-1 in the Arab Club Champions Cup final thanks to a brilliant brace by the Portugal icon.