The player’s agent has made it clear that the Italian manager has not been fair to his client.
Stanislav Lobotka’s role has come into the media spotlight during Napoli’s crisis after the severe defeat to Bologna. At a particularly difficult time for the southern Italian club – their third league defeat in eleven league rounds and fifth in fifteen official games – unexpected statements from agent Branislav Jarusek are shaking.
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Jarusek claims that the treatment Lobotka has received from manager Antonio Conte has been excessively demanding and poorly planned.
Stanislav Lobotka’s role in Conte’s system
The Slovakian midfielder came to Napoli as a balancing piece and tactical reference. His contract, valid until 2027 with an option for another season, confirmed him as a key element of the project.
But after the muscle injury he sustained on October 5 against Genoa – which kept him out of three Serie A games against Torino, Inter Milan and Lecce, as well as the Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven – his agent questions the club’s handling: “They should have given him a rest; I’m upset.”
In the context of Antonio Conte’s tactical demands and his reputation for a strict work regime, Jarusek’s words take on a different meaning. “Napoli have invested well in the transfer market and have brought in new players. I don’t understand why Lobotka had to play three difficult games in a row before the national team gathering.” This combination of a busy schedule and physical pressure has set off alarms around the midfielder.
Increasing pressure and uncertain future for Lobotka
The physical and psychological strain that Stanislav Lobotka is going through with such a demanding coach as Antonio Conte has sparked a debate: can he maintain this level of demands for several more years?
According to ‘Sport24.sk’, his agent is clear: “He’s 30 years old and it’s almost unrealistic for him to continue at this physical level while Conte demands so much from him.” In addition, Jarusek suggests that a transfer next summer “would make a lot of sense, but it will depend on the price.”
The player is, according to those close to him, happy at Napoli, but the human factor is starting to weigh heavily. When defeats pile up and technical decisions create frustration, emotional stability weakens. Does he feel supported by the coaching staff, or is he starting to find himself in an uncomfortable position in the dressing room?
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Series A: Internal crisis in Naples and ripple effects
The defeat against Bologna was not an isolated incident. Napoli have had erratic results that put their ambitions in Serie A at risk, and the internal mood has become more tense than expected. Stanislav Lobotka is a key piece in Conte’s set-up, and the excitement conveyed by his agent could affect the collective performance.
In this context, the Italian coach seems more demanding than ever. Managing minutes, physical preparation, and processing post-injury returns become crucial when an agent publicly questions the adopted plan. This internal noise can have consequences both in the dressing room and in the sporting performance.
Is Lobotka facing a transfer?
If Napoli prolongs the crisis and fails to turn the situation around, Stanislav Lobotka could become one of the key figures in the upcoming summer market. His contract until 2027 provides stability, but also the possibility of a change of course if the cohesion with Antonio Conte is broken.
A new destination could give him a more comfortable role and lower demands. After all, when an agent talks about “price addiction” and “coach’s pressure,” the message is clear. In this context, any offer could revive the debate outside Naples.
The player who was supposed to be the backbone of the club is now at the center of the storm. Amid injuries, claims and statements, the future of Stanislav Lobotka looks more uncertain than ever. Tensions are rising in Napoli, and Serie A continues without waiting for anyone.
