In a press conference ahead of a crucial Serie A match against Atalanta, Napoli manager Antonio Conte addressed the significant impact of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain. The loss of the talented winger is seen as a major setback for the team, which is vying for the championship.
Conte remarked on the differences between this season and the one in which Napoli won the Scudetto, stating, “We have made 47 points, a result of great work. Today we focus on Kvara, but if we analyze compared to last year, we are doing this without three players: Osimhen, Zielinski, and now Kvara. It’s an objective fact; subjectively, everyone can have their opinion. Is Napoli stronger or not? Does it need this or that? I also think of Mario Rui and Elmas, who played during the Scudetto year. This is a different Napoli.”
He acknowledged that with Kvaratskhelia’s exit, “this is definitely a different Napoli compared to the one that won the Scudetto.” Conte emphasized the need for continued hard work, noting that their current points tally reflects their efforts thus far.
When asked about potential replacements for Kvaratskhelia, he stated, “You should ask the club. I came to Napoli to help in a difficult moment; I embraced this club and its situation because I wanted to experience life in a city like Naples that has such passion. We are trying to do things in the best possible way.”
Conte also highlighted the importance of ambition in football: “Without ambition, there would be no determination or competitive spirit that has brought us this far. I always say: keep your head down and keep pedaling. Today I must focus on the team.”
As for the upcoming match against Atalanta, he acknowledged their strength: “If you look at Atalanta, they have won eleven consecutive matches. We are talking about a team that was strong and remains strong. They have gained confidence from winning the Europa League against German champions. When you win, you gain respect and confidence to compete with everyone.”
Conte reflected on the challenges posed by Kvaratskhelia’s departure: “I had said that January is a particular month. Beyond being called a transfer window, we are already halfway through January and four players have left: Caprile, Folorunsho, Zerbin, and Kvara. Such strong shocks can create small imbalances within the team dynamics.”
Regarding Napoli’s current standing in the league, he stated: “The standings show that we are first and Atalanta is close behind along with Inter. I cannot say it’s a title challenge yet; we need to take it step by step.”
Finally, he emphasized the importance of producing quality performances: “It’s difficult to win championships or reach Champions League spots without creating something beautiful. Some situations may be exaggerated by media interests; however, if you produce many points, it’s not luck or coincidence.”
