Conte: 'Napoli a work in progress, were not competitive over 2 tournaments'

Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 11:01 GMT by Football Italia
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Antonio Conte starts the season as the reigning champion of Italy, but insists Napoli remain 'a work in progress' with so many new players. 'We were not capable of being competitive over several...

Conte Reflects on Napoli's Progress: "We're Not There Yet"

In a candid assessment of Napoli's season so far, manager Antonio Conte has emphasized that while the team has made significant strides, they are far from reaching their full potential. Speaking ahead of a crucial fixture, Conte highlighted the challenges and achievements that have defined Napoli's campaign in Serie A, underscoring the need for continued improvement and consistency.

Napoli, under Conte's stewardship, has emerged as a formidable force in the Italian top flight this season. The team currently sits atop the Serie A standings, a position that reflects their strong start and defensive solidity. Conte, known for his tactical acumen and demanding style, took over the reins at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with the aim of revitalizing a squad that had underperformed in the previous campaign. His arrival brought a wave of optimism, and early results have justified the faith placed in him. Victories against top rivals and a string of clean sheets have propelled Napoli to the summit, but Conte remains cautious, warning against complacency.

"We're not there yet," Conte stated emphatically in his press conference. "We've made progress, yes, but there's still a long way to go. The team is working hard, and I'm seeing improvements in our organization and mentality, but we must keep pushing. Football is unforgiving; one slip, and everything can change." This sentiment encapsulates Conte's philosophy, drawing from his successful tenures at clubs like Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, where he turned teams into title contenders through rigorous discipline and tactical innovation.

Delving deeper into the specifics, Conte praised the defensive unit for their resilience. Napoli has conceded fewer goals than most of their competitors, a testament to the backline's cohesion. Players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani have been pivotal, forming a solid foundation that allows the midfield and attack to flourish. In midfield, the energy of Stanislav Lobotka and the creativity of players like Frank Anguissa have provided the engine room with balance, enabling quick transitions that have caught opponents off guard.

Up front, the goal-scoring prowess of Victor Osimhen has been a highlight, with the Nigerian striker finding the net consistently. However, Conte noted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining possession and converting chances more efficiently. "We need to be more clinical," he added. "There are moments in games where we dominate but don't kill off the opposition. That's something we're addressing in training every day."

Conte also touched on the integration of new signings and the adaptation of the squad to his 3-4-3 system, which has become a hallmark of his teams. Summer arrivals such as Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have added depth and versatility, bringing Premier League experience to the fold. "These players are adapting well, but it takes time to fully embed in a new environment," Conte explained. "Napoli is a club with passionate fans and high expectations, so we must honor that by giving everything on the pitch."

Looking ahead, Conte addressed the upcoming challenges, including clashes with title rivals like Inter Milan and Juventus. He stressed the importance of squad rotation to manage fatigue, especially with European commitments on the horizon. Napoli's participation in the Champions League adds another layer of complexity, as balancing domestic and continental duties will test the team's depth. "We have to be smart about our approach," Conte said. "Injuries can derail a season, so managing the players' workloads is crucial."

Beyond tactics, Conte spoke about the mental aspect of the game. He believes that building a winning mentality is key to sustained success. "At Napoli, we're fostering a culture of resilience. The players know that every training session, every match, is an opportunity to grow. We've had setbacks before, but we've bounced back stronger." This mindset was evident in recent come-from-behind victories, where the team displayed character to turn games around.

Conte also reflected on the broader context of Italian football. With Serie A becoming increasingly competitive, he acknowledged the threats posed by resurgent teams like Atalanta and AC Milan. "The league is tough this year; no game is easy. We respect every opponent, but we focus on ourselves." His comments come at a time when Napoli is being tipped as genuine Scudetto contenders, a tag that Conte welcomes but tempers with realism.

In terms of individual performances, Conte singled out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for his flair and impact on the left wing. The Georgian winger's dribbling and vision have added a creative spark, complementing Osimhen's physical presence. "Kvara is a special talent," Conte noted. "He's growing into a leader, and his contributions are vital." Similarly, the emergence of young talents from the academy has bolstered the squad, aligning with Conte's vision of blending youth with experience.

As the season progresses, Conte's message is clear: progress is ongoing, but perfection is elusive. "We're building something here at Napoli, step by step. The fans deserve success, and we're committed to delivering it. But we must stay humble and hungry." This balanced outlook has endeared him to the Napoli faithful, who see in him a manager capable of ending the club's wait for another league title since their triumph under Maurizio Sarri.

Conte's tenure has also brought a renewed sense of unity to the club. Off the pitch, his interactions with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis have been positive, with both sharing ambitions for long-term success. Investments in infrastructure and scouting have supported Conte's project, ensuring that Napoli is not just competing now but building for the future.

In summary, while Napoli's ascent under Conte has been impressive, the Italian tactician is keen to remind everyone that the journey is far from complete. With a blend of tactical nous, player development, and mental fortitude, Conte aims to guide Napoli to glory. As he put it, "We're on the right path, but the road is long. Let's keep walking together." This philosophy will be put to the test in the coming months, as Napoli navigates a demanding schedule in pursuit of silverware.

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Conte: 'Napoli a work in progress, were not competitive over 2 tournaments'

Conte Reflects on Napoli's Progress: "We're Not There Yet"