Kalidou Koulibaly Recalls Story Of How Sarri Put Him On The Bench After Attending Son's Birth

Kalidou Koulibaly has told an incredible story detailing how Maurizio Sarri ordered to him to join up with the Napoli first-team hours after attending the birth of his - only to place him on the substitutes bench.

Back in January 2016, the Senegalese defender was received a call from his wife Charline telling him she was going into labour ahead of the game against Sassuolo.

He was scared to answer it to begin with because of how "intense" Sarri can be but mustered up the courage and told his manager of his situation.

After initially saying he couldn't leave to see the birth of his son, Sarri gave in but ordered him to return and stressed how much he needed him.

Recalling the events in The Players' Tribune, Koulibaly said: "Sarri looks at me and says, "No, no, no. I need you tonight, Kouli. I really need you. You can't go."

"I say, "This is the birth of my son, Mister. You can do whatever you want to me. Fine me, suspend me, I don't care. I am going."

"Sarri looks so stressed, and he is smoking his cigarette. Smoking, smoking, thinking ... then finally he says, "O.K., O.K., you can go to the clinic. But you have to be back for the match tonight. I need you, Kouli!""

The former Genk centre-back was there to see his son arrive into the world and got permission of his other half to head back to the Stadio San Paolo.

But then when he returned, much to his disbelief, Sarri had him down as a substitute on the team line-up.

"I am getting ready to play, and Sarri comes into the dressing room and puts up the team sheet. And I am looking... looking... looking," Koulibaly added.

"My number is not there. I said, "Mister! Are you kidding me?" He said, "What? It is my choice."

"I said, "Mister! My son! My wife! I left them! You said you needed me!" He said, "Yes, we need you on the bench.""

Just incredible. Koulibaly came off the bench for a 22 minute in a 3-1 win for Napoli but you can understand his frustration.

We look forward to many more of these tales during Sarri's stint in charge of Juventus.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Maurizio Sarri, Football, Serie A, Napoli, Kalidou Koulibaly

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_