Antonio Conte has admitted that he expected to find a better situation ahead of his debut as Napoli’s manager, but instead, he has encountered significant challenges. As he prepares for his first match of the season against Verona this Saturday at 18:30, Conte emphasizes the need for clarity and unity among the players and fans.
“I thought I would find positive surprises, but I’ve struggled to identify them. I expected better,” Conte stated, indicating that while he doesn’t believe they’re starting from scratch, they are close to it. He stressed the importance of patience and humility in the rebuilding phase the team is currently experiencing. “The mantra has to be ‘let’s give more than we think we can’ because there’s a lot to be done. This is a delicate moment, and the difficulties we face must make us even stronger,” he added.
Conte was careful to draw a clear line between the current situation at Napoli and his previous experience at Juventus. He acknowledged the weight of past achievements, particularly referencing Juve’s scudetto two years prior. “That comparison doesn’t exist because there’s a major trap that the past can lay—those memories confuse people and create false expectations. I hope there’s a similar drive among everyone to rise above the challenges we face,” he asserted.
Regarding the transfer market, Conte remained realistic about the difficulties involved. “You all know it’s very complicated, and it’s disappointing,” he remarked. One of the team’s key players may miss the match in Verona due to a twist sustained during training on Thursday. “We will assess the situation and then make appropriate decisions,” Conte concluded. As he steps into a critical moment for Napoli, his focus is on fostering a resilient and united team ready to tackle the upcoming season.