Napoli respond to ’embarrassing’ critics after players pictured in garbage bins

Napoli have defended their use of garbage bins in training after pictures emerged of their players receiving cryotherapy treatment during sessions, slamming the reports as “embarrassing”.

The Italian club had each player submerged waist deep in icy water in the provided bins as a measure to aid recovery and protect against injury.

The practice is not uncommon among football clubs and bins are often used by clubs worldwide.

“It’s embarrassing how some sections of the media have reported the news that Napoli players have been undergoing cryotherapy in garbage bins, without at least verifying the reasons behind this initiative and whether it was [manager Gennaro] Gattuso’s idea or a common practice,” they  wrote.

“We will do the work which hasn’t been done, shall we? Question: why are you using bins?

“Because there is much more space and the players are submerged up to their waists. Also, bins are in line with the anti-COVID protocols as each player is submerged alone.

“Question: are the bins clean or dirty? Obviously, not only are they clean, but also new, have never been used and are sanitised three times a day.

“Question: are you the only club to use this method? No, many teams do.

“Question: so it wasn’t Gattuso’s idea? No.”

Napoli’s preparations were dealt another blow as they were beaten to the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes on Tuesday.

The Brazilian defender completed his £27million transfer from Lille to Arsenal despite interest from the Serie A club.

Carlo Ancelotti was also keen on taking the 22-year-old to Everton but The Gunners won the race.

Everton and Napoli are now set to do business over the transfer of midfielder Allan as Ancelotti has given the green light on a £25m deal.

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