Conte Criticizes Three Months of Napoli’s Dominance and Referee Remarks
Antonio Conte, the head coach of Napoli, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite recent challenges. Ahead of their match against Eintracht Frankfurt, he emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective amid criticism.
Conte Defends Napoli’s Current Standing
During a press conference, Conte stated, “The glass is always perceived as half empty. There has been excessive criticism.” He urged Napoli fans not to be misled, highlighting their position at the top of the Serie A standings despite significant injuries.
Managing Challenges
- Key players unavailable due to injuries
- Maintaining focus on winning
- Competing in both domestic and European leagues
Conte indicated that the club must navigate its difficulties, asserting that the team’s performance is still commendable. “We are still leading the table,” he noted, reminding everyone that it is important to support the players who are giving their best.
The Importance of Champions League Success
Winning against Eintracht Frankfurt is crucial for Napoli’s standing in the UEFA Champions League. Conte recalled their earlier victory against Sporting despite missing key defensive players.
- Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt is vital
- Team must adapt to the challenges posed by injuries
- Recent changes in player roles, with Elmas and Gutierrez stepping up
He acknowledged the struggles with scheduling, noting that training is limited. The goal is to create certainty within the squad while expanding the roster depth.
Conte’s Remarks on Refereeing Standards
Antonio Conte shared his frustrations regarding the current standards of officiating. He hinted at a lack of consistency and clarity in referee decisions, calling for better support from referees for teams in contention.
“The situation is very fragile,” he stated. Conte observed that discussions surrounding referees often lead to confusion. He urged a collaborative approach and challenged the narrative that the environment negatively affects the referees’ performance.
Conclusion
As Napoli prepares for a key match in the Champions League, Conte remains focused on the positives while advocating for both player and referee accountability. The support from fans and a united team spirit will be essential for building on their dominant position in Serie A.
