Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has offered a positive assessment of his first weeks working under new Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano ahead of the upcoming season, Footynaija.com reports.
Besiktas parted ways with club legend Sergen Yalcın following a disappointing domestic campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Super Lig and crash out of the Turkish Cup in the semi-finals after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Konyaspor.
Following the mutual termination of Yalcin’s contract in May, the Black Eagles wasted little time before appointing former Bologna and Fiorentina boss Italiano as they look to revitalize and rebuild their squad.
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With preparations for the new campaign already underway, Ndidi has been among the first-team players working under Italiano, giving the Nigerian midfielder an early opportunity to experience the new boss’ training methods and tactical philosophy.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s training session, the 29-year-old revealed Italiano’s desire for every player to contribute in every phase of play.
“In the game, it’s not just about [being a] number 8, because when we defend, I have to help in defense. When we attack, I also have to help the attack,” he told beIN Sports.
”He made us understand that we have the freedom to go into the box. It is going well. With time, as I said before, we are going to adapt. With time, we are going to understand more of what he wants, and what he wants is very clear.”
Ndidi’s remarks suggest the squad is embracing Italiano’s high-energy approach, even if the players are still adapting to the finer details of his tactical demands.
His encouraging assessment also comes against the backdrop of continued speculation over his future especially since Italiano’s arrival, with clubs in England and Saudi Arabia reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, the Nigerian international’s latest comments indicate he is fully committed to the new project under Italiano. Unless developments accelerate later in the transfer window, Ndidi appears set to remain an important part of Besiktas’ plans heading into the new season.
