Antonio Conte’s Napoli future plunged into doubt after club release new statement | OneFootball

Antonio Conte’s future at Napoli was plunged into doubt when he launched an extraordinary rant following the 2-0 defeat at Bologna last weekend. 

The Italian boss raised further eyebrows when it was announced he would not oversee training until next Monday. 

Napoli’s assistant head coach Cristian Stellini will lead training sessions in the absence of Conte. 

The Serie A club released the following statement: “Mister Antonio Conte, as already planned and agreed for some time with the club, will return to SSC Napoli Training Center on Monday November 17.”

Conte took over Napoli as manager in June 2024 and led his team to the Serie A title in his debut season. 

But things have been challenging for the 56-year-old this term, despite adding nine new players to the squad, including Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund. 

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Bologna leaves the Blues fourth in the league table, albeit two points behind Inter Milan and Roma.  

Conte was furious with the performance of his team and launched one of his trademark rants. 

He said: “If you lose five games, it means that something is not going right,’ he started. Something needs to be done, because I don’t want to accompany a dead person, I am the first eventually and take responsibility. At the first negative situation we broke up, I will also talk to the club about this aspect. 

“I don’t see alchemy but everyone thinking about their own problem. Heart transplants aren’t possible. Each of us must rediscover the spirit, the heart, the wickedness. Things are done but we have to see how they are done.  

“It’s one thing to do your homework, it’s another to play in a team with very high expectations. Everyone is thinking about their own backyard, I had already seen this and so I want to speak well with the club. 

“We must not forget that after the third Scudetto, Napoli finished tenth but I don’t think this was a great lesson. Sometimes we think that overnight the ugly duckling then becomes a swan. 

“Last year we did something extraordinary and of absolute value, now we are continuing to work but we have to ask ourselves how, if there is the right enthusiasm and desire or we are basking in the victory of the past and we think we are favorites. 

“We certainly don’t have the energy of last season, the boys know very well what I think about it. I’m sorry that I’m not managing to change this trend in the four months that have passed, because it means that I’m not doing a good job or someone doesn’t want to hear it.’

Conte led Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season but was dismissed a year later after his row with Diego Costa. 

He also performed well at Tottenham Hotspur, leading them back into the Champions League after joining them on an 18-month contract in 2021. 

But the Italian left the London club by mutual consent after 16 months following a stunning post-match rant at Southampton where he slammed the club’s hierarchy and called his players selfish. 

Judging by past experience, it looks Conte may leave Napoli if the club’s fortunes don’t improve soon.