On the eve of the home match against Verona, Antonio Conte, Napoli coach, addressed the delicate issue of the possible transfer of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in a press conference. Between statements on the squad and appeals to the fans, Conte reiterated the need to remain focused at a crucial moment of the season.
“At the beginning of the year there was a book to write, blank sheets of paper. Now there is something on those sheets. I have to focus on football, on the squad available. We cannot chain anyone, it would be counterproductive. The player knows that I have removed myself from this situation. I am doing it for the good of Napoli. If Kvara stays, he must know that I have not opposed anything,” explained the coach, clarifying his position on the negotiations involving the Georgian player.
Conte insisted on the importance of maintaining high concentration, despite the transfer rumours: “Repercussions? I don't give excuses. Tomorrow against Verona, as in Florence, where many players were missing, we will have to be aggressive. The journey has begun, it's there. I hope to ensure that Napoli is not considered a passing team. We must build something ambitious for Napoli and the Neapolitans. A word to the wise is enough.”
On the possible replacement for Kvaratskhelia, Conte held back: “It was a bolt from the blue. Now the most important thing is the match against Verona. No evaluations have been made because Kvara is still our player. We will see what happens. The situation will be monitored, but now the ball is in the club’s court, in the player’s court and in his agents’ court.”
Besides kvaratskhelia, Napoli will also have to do without Buongiorno and Olivera. Conte, however, looks ahead: “It’s a shame for Olivera, but we have Spinazzola who did very well against Fiorentina. He’s a strong and experienced player. Whoever gets the opportunity will have to take advantage of it. It’s also a message for those who have played less.”
The Italian coach also said goodbye to Caprile and Folorunsho, who have been transferred to seek more space elsewhere: “We have found replacements that are up to the task and I have a lot of faith in the squad. This transfer window has been terrible, but we have to stay focused. I can’t wait for the transfer window to end, because it inevitably creates problems.”
Conte concluded the meeting by calling on the Azzurri fans to support him: “Verona is a tough team, they have seven points in the last four games and in the first leg they scored three goals. I hope the fans will give us a big hand, because this is the first game of the second half of the season. It will be essential to start off on the right foot.”
Article published on 11 January 2025 - 15:18
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