Rasmus Hojlund is now set to stay at Napoli permanently after their 3-0 win over Pisa last weekend secured Champions League qualification.
The result triggered the condition in his move from Manchester United. Hojlund marked the occasion by scoring once and assisting once in the victory.
He later published a farewell message to Manchester United, describing the goodbye as ‘emotional’.
His attention now turns fully to Napoli and Antonio Conte already has demands for the Dane.
Antonio Conte says Rasmus Hojlund still has major room to grow
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
After the 3-0 win over Pisa, Conte said (via Tutto Mercato Web): “As for Rasmus, he just needs to keep working. He’s really young, guys, only 23, and he needs to understand that he needs to make the most of every single day to improve.”
The Italian manager later added: “I think he [Hojlund] has enormous room for growth to become a truly strong striker. He needs to put his head down and work, blindly believe in what the coach tells him, and continue doing what he’s already doing with great commitment.”
Conte’s comments were positive but also carried a clear instruction. While highlighting Hojlund’s progress, the Napoli manager believes further development depends on work, discipline and trust.
The Dane’s season already gives Napoli a strong base. He has 15 goals and six assists in 43 appearances, with one match still to play.
That final game comes against Udinese on Sunday, 24 May. It gives Hojlund another chance to improve his numbers before ending the season as a permanent Napoli player.
Anyway, he should know that next season he will be held to even higher standards.
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