Antonio Conte quickly blames 'unacceptable' Napoli players after nightmare start to new job
Napoli manager Antonio Conte began his tenure at the Serie A club with a humiliating defeat against Verona and tore into his players after going bottom of the table
Antonio Conte's Napoli tenure got off to a nightmare start and the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss laid the blame at the feet of his players.
Conte, who won Serie A with both Inter Milan and Juventus, took over at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after Napoli struggled in their title defence last season. They began the season by scraping through to the second round of the Coppa Italia with a penalty shoot-out win over second-tier Modena, but couldn't improve in their league opener.
A Napoli side containing summer signing Leonardo Spinazzola faced off against Verona on Sunday. However, it was two of the hosts' debutants who starred.
Dailon Livramento put the hosts in front with a debut goal, while Daniel Mosquera bagged two after making his bow from the bench. After the hammering, Conte didn't mince his words.
“In the first half, there was only one team in it. I don’t think Verona had a shot," Conte told Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia ). "Having said that, we immediately let Verona have a shot at the start of the second half, and in the second instance we went behind.
“Then we melted like snow in the sun. What I feel like saying is that we should apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who follow us with such passion. I am the coach and it is right that I take full responsibility.
“I humbly apologise because the second half was unacceptable. A performance that shows we need to work hard in every aspect. I came to Napoli with lots of enthusiasm, with great desire. If I can help Napoli, I will."
What can Antonio Conte achieve at Napoli this season? Have your say in the comments section
Napoli were dealt a blow just before half-time when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced off injured. The club were already expected to make signings even before the setback, though Conte has suggested as many as four new faces could arrive.
One of those new faces is likely to be David Neres, with the Benfica winger jetting in for a medical. A central midfielder could also be on the cards, with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay among the targets, and La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness ) suggests a deal for Brighton and Scotland star Gilmour is close to completion.
It appears Conte let his players know his feelings in private as well as in public. “The coach got angry, but then he analysed the matter intelligently," wing-back Pasquale Mazzocchi said.
"He told us that we all have to give more. There were some positive signs in the first half. In the second, there were definitely some problems that we will continue to analyse with the coach during the week.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
