Napoli manager Antonio Conte addressed the media ahead of his team’s upcoming Serie A match against Lecce. The game at the Maradona Stadium, marks the ninth round of the Serie A season.
Conte began by emphasizing the importance of the match: “The game against Lecce will allow us to accumulate points. We are focused on this match. We want to give continuity to our results and our journey.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to Lecce, Conte stated, “There are feelings, and then there’s the profession. You must always separate the two. Lecce represents my origins, where everything began. It represents my childhood, and it is and will always be part of my heart.”
The manager also commented on the enthusiasm of Napoli fans: “Naples is a city that gives a lot, and we must cultivate this passion, which has always been there. It’s not just here because we’re here. We are passing through. The passion in Naples will never be transient; it’s permanent.”
Regarding player performances, Conte spoke about Giacomo Raspadori: “He’s working well, like everyone else. I see him very positive and totally focused. He’s a forward, and he’s doing a bit of what McTominay is doing. I see him in that position.”
On Romelu Lukaku, Conte added: “I saw him calm and serene. I don’t see any management issues. There’s no need to talk about Lukaku’s performance in Empoli, but about the team. We were all insufficient in the first half. In the second half, the attitude changed. It would be limiting to focus only on Lukaku.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming string of important Serie A matches, Conte emphasized the need for balance: “We work every day to face all situations. We started by losing in Verona, an unexpected defeat, and everything came crashing down. Now we’re first, and it’s the opposite. That’s why I always say balance is needed. We must only think about ourselves. Only those who have never won can say nonsense. Those who have won know what needs to be done to win again and build solid foundations.”
Finally, addressing the much-discussed contract renewal of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Conte stated: “It’s been talked about for quite some time. Surely there’s a discussion between the club and his entourage. Getting into details is not my job. The club speaks about that. What I can say is that he should continue doing what he’s doing. He’s a serious and exemplary professional and must be focused on this season. Then I hope that in the future, things can be sorted out. I hope an agreement can be found, but I know that in football, anything can happen. There must be an agreement that satisfies all parties. I don’t go beyond the season; I ask him to honor the shirt until the end of the season. He must be focused on doing what he’s doing. I’m not worried.”
