Luis Enrique in talks with Napoli to take over as next manager

Napoli are considering making Enrique Luciano Spalletti successor

In their effort to look for a successor for Luciano Spalletti, who is stepping down as coach after capturing the Serie A, and now Napoli are in negotiations with Luis Enrique to make him their next permanent manager for the upcoming season.

The previous coach of Spain and Barcelona has been one of the club's preferred candidates, but Napoli understands that other clubs, like Tottenham, have also considered him.

Spalletti has stated that after steering Napoli to the club's maiden championship since 1990, he plans to take a year hiatus from managing.

The club's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, praised the 64-year-old on Monday and referred to his status as "a free man" after praising his efforts. In the concluding match of the period, Napoli's home encounter against Sampdoria on Sunday, Spalletti will assume control of the team for its final occasion.

"I need to take some time to rest because I'm pretty tired. I don't know if you can call it a year's sabbatical but I won't be working. I won't be coaching Napoli or any other team."

Since leaving his position as Spain's manager following their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal loss to Morocco, Luis Enrique has remained unemployed.

His most recent tenure as a club manager was with Barcelona from 2014 to 2017. During that time, he won two La Liga championships, three Copa del Rey titles, and a Champions League. Also under his tutelage were Roma, Celta Vigo, and Barcelona B.

Tottenham are still looking for a long-term successor for Antonio Conte, despite Arne Slot, one of the top candidates on their list, committing his future to Feyenoord.

Their thoughts frequently turn to Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and Luis Enrique. A director of football should be appointed as the club's primary objective.