In the just-concluded Champions League match, Napoli, led by Antonio Conte, suffered a heavy 2-6 away defeat to Eredivisie powerhouse PSV Eindhoven. After the game, Conte accepted an interview with the media.
On the defeat
“We need a baptism of humility, and I have been saying this all along. Some people in Naples are creating smoke screens, but this is a city where the truth must always be told.”
“Whether it’s veteran players or new signings, everyone must step up their tempo. Regardless of whether there’s a red card or not, we all have to pick up the pace. If we really want to grow and build something that makes Naples proud, we have to understand that we must return to the form we had last year—when there was only ‘for the benefit of Naples’. This spirit must come back; personal gains mean nothing, only the team’s interests matter. Due to all kinds of hype, there have been many situations that I even find ridiculous—because they are too shameless. Let me repeat: Naples and Neapolitans should not be taken for fools.”
On the summer transfer window
“Some choices made in the summer were wrong.”
“There is definitely disappointment, but this kind of thing doesn’t happen by accident. We must learn to use tonight’s lesson to turn the tide. Last season, we won an extraordinary championship; back then, everyone exceeded their limits and showed extremely strong unity and cohesion. But this year, in the process of dealing with a busy schedule and integrating new signings... I think bringing in nine new players is simply too many. We have lost our balance. I said a long time ago that this year would be complicated, and some things need time to digest. The level of the Champions League is like this—we have nothing to say but work hard. Although I know it will be very tough, I am in the team’s dressing room every day, which is why I say these words. We should not despair; we will work hard to rebuild the chemistry we had last year.”
“The reason we were active in the transfer market is that we had to be. Last season, our squad was too thin, and it was already a miracle that we could still win the championship. Now that we have brought in nine players, we need time and patience. The veterans who worked miracles last year must challenge themselves again—and so must I. We are building a system for the second season; this is everyone’s joint work, and the players should not be the only ones to take responsibility. But I have been repeating some principles since the training camp started. I am not making excuses, nor am I dissatisfied. I know I am often misunderstood, but I try to be honest and just do my job well.”
The key to turning the slump around?
“We have to regain the physical and mental energy we had last year, and gradually integrate the new players into the dressing room system.”
Is a tactical adjustment needed?
“Is everything good when we win, and everything bad when we lose? Everyone was praising the choice of a four-man midfield just before. De Bruyne was questioned about not being able to play anymore after a bad game, but became an indispensable player after the match against Sporting CP. A good coach should let the best players start and create the right chemistry. So what should we change tactically? The current balance is the best. Playing two highly attacking wingers at the same time will make us completely lose stability, and I don’t think we should sacrifice any of the midfielders either.”
