Napoli Director Manna: Champions League Improvement Needed, McTominay Contract Talks Progress

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has acknowledged that the club must elevate their performance in the Champions League, while also providing a positive update on Scott McTominay‘s contract situation. Speaking ahead of Napoli’s crucial away fixture against Villarreal, Manna Napoli must improve in Champions League McTominay wants to stay was the clear message from the director, who addressed both the team’s European ambitions and the future of one of its key players.

Manna’s comments came as Napoli prepare to face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica, a match that could significantly impact their chances of advancing in Europe’s elite competition. The Partenopei have not won a Champions League away game in nearly three years, a statistic that underscores the need for improvement. “We do not have to send any signals, but we do need to improve what we did last year in the Champions League,” Manna told Sky Sport Italia. “We want to at least get into the play-offs and that means picking up points even against a side that had a very good game against Real Madrid at the weekend.”

The director also highlighted the importance of squad rotation given the congested fixture list. With nine games scheduled over the next 29 days, Manna believes Napoli’s depth will be crucial. “Squad rotation as you call it is necessary and we have a fairly balanced squad,” he explained. “There are three or four players who in my mind are irreplaceable, so if they are fit then they play, but seeing as we have nine games to be played over the next 29 days, the coach has the option to make changes also based on the characteristics of the opposition.”

One of the changes for the Villarreal clash sees Brazilian youngster Giovane handed his Champions League debut. Giovane was a late addition to the UEFA squad list, replacing the injured Costantino Favasuli. “Giovane came on well from the bench on Saturday, he’s in good shape and gives us different alternatives,” Manna noted. “We have different characteristics on the bench, and this is how we are starting the match.”

Turning to McTominay, Manna was unequivocal about the club’s desire to retain the midfielder, who has attracted interest from Real Madrid. “Scott has two years left on his contract, he wants to stay with us, and we want him to stay for as long as possible too,” Manna stated. “There is an economic aspect to consider, we are working on it and hope that we can find a solution that suits both us and the player. He is probably the most important player in the side for what he’s done in the last two years, we missed him over the last few weeks, we’re happy to have him and he plays tonight.”

The contract negotiations have reportedly stalled in recent weeks, but Manna’s comments suggest a resolution is in sight. McTominay’s importance to Napoli cannot be overstated; his performances over the past two seasons have made him a fan favourite and a linchpin of the midfield. Keeping him would be a major coup for the club, especially with Real Madrid lurking.

Manna also discussed Napoli’s broader ambitions for the season. “We’d like to go as far as possible in the Champions League, but it is a complicated competition and you also need a bit of good luck at times, having players in good form at the right time,” he said. “Qualifying for the Champions League is absolutely vital for all Italian clubs on an economic level, but we’d like to finish as close as possible to the top spot.”

Reflecting on the Serie A campaign, Manna admitted that consistency has been an issue. “We finished second last season, the year before that we took the Scudetto. We thought we had won at San Siro and then lost 3-2, so we haven’t found the right trend of results yet, but we must have faith in this squad.” He also revealed plans to rejuvenate the squad: “At the end of the season, we will have to lower the average age of the team, we are well aware of that and are prepared to do it. Then there’s the Coppa Italia, where we also want to go all the way.”

As Napoli prepare for a pivotal stretch of matches, the focus will be on translating Manna’s words into action. The message is clear: Manna Napoli must improve in Champions League McTominay wants to stay is not just a soundbite but a rallying cry for a club with aspirations of returning to Europe’s upper echelon. With McTominay’s future looking increasingly secure and a talented squad at their disposal, Napoli have the tools to make a mark both domestically and on the continent.

In conclusion, Napoli’s immediate challenge is to secure a positive result against Villarreal, which would boost their hopes of progressing in the Champions League. Off the pitch, securing McTominay’s long-term future is equally important. The coming weeks will reveal whether Napoli can turn their ambitions into tangible success, but under Manna’s guidance, the club appears determined to rise to the occasion.