Napoli`s Coach After 3-1 Victory Over Fiorentina: “We Need Everyone for the Present and Future”
Three wins in a row. The international break did nothing to halt Napoli`s momentum; in fact, their performance at the Franchi Stadium was one that even made Antonio Conte smile, as his team remains at the top of the league. However, true to his nature, Conte always demands maximum concentration from his players.
“We want to keep growing, raising the bar. We are clearly at the beginning of the season; we`ve brought in many players to fill out the squad, and it`s essential that last year`s core maintains its mentality, with new players adapting quickly. We need everyone, for the present and future of Napoli. The performances of those who debuted in this shirt have been good,” the coach stated after the win against Fiorentina.
De Bruyne`s Genius and Strategic Role
Kevin De Bruyne continues his impressive form with the Azzurri, following his brilliant displays for the national team. Against Fiorentina, he seemed even more comfortable within the team`s dynamics, scoring a penalty. “We`ve tried to find the right solution for him; a good coach must try to put the best players on the field. Last year, McTominay, Lobotka, and Anguissa were fundamental, and Kevin`s arrival could have meant one of those three might be left out. The role we are tailoring for him, I believe, is perfect; he loves to play the ball, and this gives him freedom of movement, without giving opponents a clear reference.”
High Pressing: Risks and Rewards
Another immediately noticeable aspect was the high pressing that troubled Fiorentina. “Even last season, we maintained a high line, though perhaps it wasn`t as evident. It exposes us to some risks, but it makes it difficult for opponents to play. We need to be prepared for these situations, especially since we leave fifty meters of space behind us, which is why I drill them on it in training and video sessions.”
A Coach`s Mentality: Demanding Perfection
In the latter part of the interview, Conte was asked to describe certain individuals. “Hojlund is young and promising. De Bruyne is a genius; we are working on a new role that suits him perfectly. He has quality and sees things others don`t. In the Champions League, we will be students learning from masters, hoping to surpass them. We must stay focused until the very end.” A small reminder about discipline was also included: “If I have to find something that didn`t satisfy me, it was the final part of the match. For the players, I am an older brother or a father; they already know the positive aspects and what needs to be improved if we want to continue making an impact.” As for discussing the Scudetto, there`s still plenty of time.
