Conte explains why it’s difficult to convince players to join Napoli
Peter Young
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on January 1, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Napoli boss Antonio Conte admitted it has been ‘difficult’ trying to get some players to join the team this transfer window due to the club’s lack of European football for the upcoming season.
Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw against Serie B side Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday evening, but progressed after a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
Conte warned that Saturday’s stalemate was a bit of a reality check, and possibly a sign of things to come if there are no new signings before the end of the window.
Conte: ‘I want to strengthen the squad, because we need it’
Speaking after the spot-kicks, Conte was asked by various broadcasters whether he is expecting any more incoming signings before the start of the Serie A season next weekend.
“I knew the situation when I came, and in the market you have limits on the cost of the player’s salary,” Conte told SportMediaset, via Gianluca Di Marzio.
“Most of the time, players don’t come here because we don’t play in the (European) cups.
“I want the best for Napoli and to try and strengthen the squad, because we need it. I don’t know what will happen down the line. Today was a dose of reality.”
The former Juventus and Inter coach believes there is still a lot to be done, both on the training ground and in the boardroom.
“There is a lot of work to do, us on the pitch, but also the club. There are objective things (that need to be done), but I don’t want to go into finger-pointing.”
