Mazzarri admits he could walk out on Napoli

Walter Mazzarri has stunned Napoli by announcing he may leave the Serie A club at the end of the season.

The Naples-based club have had one of their best seasons in recent memory, and look destined to finish third in the Serie A, earning a Champions League berth for next season.

But despite that success, Mazzarri said there was no guarantee he would be at the helm to lead the team in Europe.

“I have alerted the club to the fact I might not stay next season. Besides, I also have a contract, so the club has to give its own say on the matter,” Mazzarri said.

“You’ll know at the end of the campaign what I have to say to Napoli, but as a professional I always give fair warning.”

“I now turn to the fans and tell them not to be led astray by detractors. The respect I have for them and will continue to have while I am here has been proved through my work.”

Speculation has been rife Mazzarri will join Juventus next season as a replacement for Luigi Delneri, but the 49-year-old said nothing had been confirmed.

He said he was determined to be up-front with the public about his future, but hit out at the media for fuelling inaccurate rumours.

“Carlo Ancelotti said the same thing yesterday at Chelsea, because he is in the same situation,” Mazzarri said. “Nothing has changed on a personal level and my rapport with the President is perfect.”

“I hear lies swirling around here and it’s a Kafka-esque situation. In football there is too often an ambiguous way of talking about things, but seeing as I have so much respect for my staff and the fans, I have always been clear.”

“People appreciate someone who works hard here and speaks with actions, especially in a world where it’s often the other way round.”

Napoli are still a chance to overtake second-placed Inter on the table, but must defeat Lecce on Sunday to keep that hope alive.

“I spoke to the players and told them they have been exceptional in achieving the Champions League, but there are still nine points up for grabs, so we can become Vice-Champions of Italy,” Mazzarri said.

“We need to stay concentrated, believe and play like Napoli. We’ve got to give our fans satisfaction to the very end.”

“It’ll be tough against Lecce, especially after they got David Di Michele back by appealing his ban. We must try to match their motivation.”