The long-awaited Lukaku, but also the physical conditions of Kvara, the 20 years of De Laurentiis’ presidency and the adaptation of the new McTominay and Gilmour: mister Anthony Conteas usual, provided great food for thought and analysis in the press conference held this Friday to present Sunday’s match in Cagliari, valid for the fourth round of Serie A. Below are the main statements of the Napoli coach, collected by TMW and divided by theme.
About Lukaku: “He used the break to try to get into full swing on a physical and tactical level. There was great effort, he even came in his free time. There is great predisposition, he is improving in everything and we will see, there are still two training sessions and then I will decide”.
On the conditions of Kvaratskhelia: “As for the nationals, they all came back in good condition, Kvara had an ankle problem, we will evaluate in these two sessions and decide.”
On expectations: “I carry a lot of pressure. Having won in the past, they make 1+1, 2 and expect this regardless. You said it from day one when we were missing half the team. It’s a responsibility, I don’t shirk it, but I live it calmly, knowing that we have to work, grow. The president also reiterated it when talking about year 0, maybe it’s not exactly year 0 but there is a profound reconstruction. The market said it, if you take 7 players and 12-13 leave it means that there is a major change. I know what awaits me, the expectations on me, but my only weapon is work”.
On the new McTominay and Gilmour: “I received excellent impressions, they are two serious guys, I was able to get to know them well even in my experience in the Premier as opponents, but they raise the level, they bring competition and this must be our path. Over time we must create a competitive squad, where there are no pre-established places and with someone who plays safely. Not thinking like provincials but like a club that has the desire and ambition to compete for anything important”.
On the reinstatement of Folorunsho: “The transfer market events led him to train separately, he was reinstated, he is a good boy, a worker, he will certainly make an important contribution to Napoli. We are happy he is with us, that’s all”.
On the dangers of Cagliari: “Thanks for the question, let’s direct the shot where we are most interested. We are facing a tough team, like all of Nicola’s, an underrated coach, I have great respect for him, he has done well everywhere, we will find a warm environment, a team that has always bothered Napoli and we will have to be very careful. But we must go with the awareness of having to provide continuity. I read that it has been a year and a half since they have had three consecutive victories, there is great motivation, then after the break it is always an unknown, but it is for everyone, we are working, we are focused and it is a commitment of great difficulty”.
On 20 years of presidency of ADL: “I am already part of this story today, even if only for 100 days and it gives me reason to be proud. My work has just begun. The De Laurentiis family has been committed for 20 years, today it is increasingly difficult to commit for such a long time and then an Italian family for such an important place. Great credit to him for the path he has taken, he was taken in Serie C and brought to important levels. Having heard the words of the president, even his emotion, makes you understand how much his family is committed to the Neapolitans. It was very important, he also spoke of growth off the pitch. I come from English experiences where I know the importance of a sports centre also for the youth teams. They are important pieces. I also arrived at Inter and Appiano was a disaster, we worked a lot on the pitches, guesthouse, now Appiano is a jewel in the crown. A sports centre at the end of the year can give you some points. Napoli today is at a level that it is right to continue to grow”.
Reread all of Conte’s words here!