ADL: "Conte back in charge" Conte: "The team was always with me" | OneFootball

Exchange of words from a distance after the victory against Atalanta: Napoli returns to the top and tries to regain stability

ADL: “Conte has regained the team.” The coach's reply: “There was no need, it has always been with me”

Napoli regains enthusiasm and results after the break. The convincing victory against Atalanta at the Maradona puts the Azzurri back at the top of the standings and also revives the dialogue, not always straightforward, between the club and the technical staff. After the match, there is a courteous but significant exchange between Aurelio De Laurentiis and Antonio Conte.

Conte satisfied: “Great energy, high-level performance”

Antonio Conte appreciated the team's response after weeks marked by rumors of internal tensions.

“We are satisfied with the victory and how it came about. In the first half, we maintained a very high pace and tried to repeat it in the second half with intense pressure. It's normal for a team at a disadvantage to push into the opponent's half, and we could have managed certain balls better, but we defeated a very strong team. Atalanta had just achieved a great victory in Marseille. There was energy and electricity at the Maradona.”

Then he addressed the rumors related to the locker room:

“Those outside worry more than those inside. I have a very intense and strong relationship with my players. We are transparent, we tell each other the truth. I don't wear masks. The media does their job, we must continue to work. And now we immediately think about the Champions League, Tuesday against Qarabag.”

De Laurentiis intervenes: “Well done Conte, he has regained the team”

President Aurelio De Laurentiis chose X after the game to comment:

“Well done Antonio Conte for taking back control of the team. Well done to the players who followed his instructions.”

A message that immediately drew attention, considering the recent wave of rumors about tense relations between the coach and the locker room.

Conte's reply: “The team has always been with me”

Live on Dazn, Conte leaves no room for interpretation:

“There was no need to regain the team: it has always been with me. It is with me and will stay with me. Just as I will always be with them, regardless of everything and everyone. Ours is a strong, sincere relationship. The guys know that I am a true, honest person who likes to speak out. Nothing and no one will undermine our bond. After Bologna, I took responsibility myself.”

Concern for the midfield: “We are left with few”

Despite the return to victory, Conte admits some concern about the growing number of injuries in the midfield.

“The latest blow is Anguissa's injury on international duty. We are left with few. Elmas is not a true central midfielder, we have Lobotka, McTominay, and a young quality player like Vergara, who is more offensive and operates between the lines.”

The positive note comes from the new setup with a three-man defense and trident, which has offered encouraging signs.

Napoli on the rise, but the schedule doesn't wait

The victory over Atalanta seems to bring back serenity, but Napoli must already think about the next challenge: Qarabag arrives on Tuesday in the Champions League, a crucial match for qualification.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.