Former Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio admits Rudi Garcia takes charge facing huge expectations.
Garcia has replaced Luciano Spalletti as Napoli coach after last season's Scudetto victory.
Maggio told Sky Sports: "Managing the enthusiasm for the players in Naples is certainly not easy, but it's only right that the fan is enthusiastic and always hopes for positive things. Last year was an incredible year, it started well and ended on a high note.
"What Victor Osimhen has done this year is evident, he has been the point of reference for the whole season. The most important thing is to start from him again, the president has made a great effort to keep him, also because he had important choices. We must start from here, trying to put in some other important pieces to make Napoli even more competitive.
"Nobody, not even me, expected it. Not because I didn't believe in Napoli's qualities, but because so many who had made history had left. It wasn't easy, but Spalletti with young players who wanted to demonstrate their qualities was very good. He found the right amalgam."