Victor Osimhen’s temperament on the field has been called into question by his former manager, Francesco Calzona, who believes it’s the one thing holding back his progress — www.isagoal.com reports.
In a recent interview quoted by Calcio Napoli, Calzona shared his honest thoughts on Osimhen’s response to criticism during their time together at Napoli. The Nigerian striker had a turbulent season under three different managers before finally moving to Galatasaray in a permanent €75 million transfer.
The 26-year-old forward, who returned to RAMS Park after a loan spell, has shown undeniable strength and talent. But Calzona believes his emotional reactions sometimes overshadow his professionalism.
“He’s got amazing strength and talent,” Calzona said, “but he struggles to accept criticism, especially when the team is underperforming.”
Osimhen often expresses frustration during matches, which Calzona suggests can be misinterpreted as unwillingness to accept responsibility. He advised the player to take feedback constructively, especially in big clubs where fan expectations are intense.
“In Naples, the fans adored him, and the club supported him fully,” Calzona added. “Still, he must learn how to handle difficult moments more calmly.”
Despite the challenges, Osimhen’s stats remain impressive — 37 goals and seven assists in 41 games — and Galatasaray hopes he’ll push even further in the 2025/2026 season.
This article was updated 3 days ago