Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looked frustrated after his substitution during Napoli’s recent 2-0 win over Napoli, but regardless of the consequences, Antonio Conte enjoyed his reaction as he feels it showed the Gerogian’s passion and determination.
Why Kvaratskhelia anger pleases Napoli coach Conte
Kvaratskhelia has enjoyed a productive start to the 2024-25 Serie A campaign under Conte, netting three goals and providing two assists from his first six league outings of the season.
He was also on the scoresheet again as the Partenopei recorded a 2-0 victory over Monza last time out, but the coach opted to take him off after 75 minutes of action.
The Georgian looked frustrated as he made his way over to the bench, and while some felt that was in response to Conte’s decision to take him off, other reports suggest that he was more frustrated by the referees’ performance.
Regardless of the cause of Kvaratskhelia’s frustration, Conte enjoyed his reaction as he believes it shows the fire that the winger has burning inside him.
“I didn’t see it, I don’t know if he was angry with himself or what. He did what he had to do: score a goal, have a good game,” the Partenopei coach said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“But, he had a yellow, he was a bit frustrated, he even protested a lot to the referees which is unusual for him, but I like this anger, it means he’s in the moment, he’s ready for the challenge, but he has to stay calm with the referee because we want to finish the games with 11 men.
“But I like to see him involved emotionally, and I want to see all of my players committed like this. Even being angry with the referees, it means they care.”