Mazzarri signs five-year deal

Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has signed a five-year deal to stay with the club which he guided to third in the Serie A this season.

Mazzarri’s deal means he will lead Napoli into the group stages of the Champions League next season as they hope to replicate the form that saw them serious title challengers in the Serie A.

It was Napoli’s best league finish in 21 years and the signing of the coach is a big fillip for the club, after he had gone on the record that he was not assured of being at the Stadio San Paolo next season.

“President (Aurelio) De Laurentiis and coach Mazzarri cleared the air to reinforce their personal relationship,” a club statement said.

“After two years of collaboration which has taken Napoli into the Champions League before it was expected, the president and coach Mazzarri have agreed a new collaboration to continue the club’s development for a further five years.”

It is believed that the length of the contract negotiations occurred because Mazzarri felt he was not appreciated at the club.

“Each side must play his game but I should be appreciated, even if some people think I’ve messed up,” Mazzari said before the meeting on Monday, which led to him agreeing terms.

“Thank God I have players who listen to me and I’m serious in my dealings with the club for which I work. I can look everyone in the eye. Before I talk to the press I must do so with the club about future plans and everything I’ve got in my head.”

Mazzarri has been at the club for two years, initially guiding them into the Europa League before this season’s success.

Prior to Napoli, Mazzarri was at Sampdoria – a club he also guided into European competition.