“In history, it is the people who win that remain.” Thus Antonio Conte, the new coach of Napoli, reiterates his mantra as he prepares to face a new challenge. In an interview released on the digital platform of the Football Federation, VivoAzzurroTV, Conte spoke about his experiences and his philosophy, recalling that his education in life and in football took place “in the middle of the road”, where he learned to solve difficulties on his own.
Conte retraced his competitive journey, from his first call-ups to the national team with Arrigo Sacchi for the 94 World Cup in the USA, to the 2000 European Championships with Dino Zoff and the 2016 European Championships as coach. Speaking of Sacchi, Tale expressed great esteem and admiration, calling him a tireless worker and an innovator in football. “Sacchi transmitted his passion for football and his obsession for improvement.
These are qualities that I have tried to make my own,” said Conte. Remembering the final lost on penalties against Brazil in Pasadena, Conte reflected on the lesson learned: “When you get these opportunities, you have to know that you might not get them again.
I learned that in history, the people who win remain. That was a defeat that burned, and Brazil remained in history, while Italy's second place is often forgotten."
Conte also recalled the phone call from President Tavecchio who offered him the Azzurri bench. “Tavecchio was very convinced and determined in wanting me in the national team, and this impressed me a lot,” said Conte, stressing the importance of building a solid team to be successful in the national team.
One of the most emotional moments for Conte was his farewell to the national team after Euro 2016, with a press conference in Montpellier in which he could not hold back the tears. “It was difficult to detach myself from those players and the whole environment. A real family had been created, and this had helped us overcome the fact that we were not a very strong national team,” Conte explained.
“Before the European Championship, I had expressed to the president my desire to return to coaching a club and I had signed with Chelsea.
If I hadn’t signed that contract, I would never have left that group.” Looking to the future, Conte reflects on his path: “I left Juventus and met the national team that gave me great emotions, then I went to England and won the Premier League and the FA Cup. In all situations there can be regrets, but what came after was beautiful and exciting.”
Article published on 6 June 2024 - 18:52
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