Manchester – It's the eve of great football in Manchester, where Napoli prepares to face Manchester City in their Champions League debut. Napoli coach Antonio Conte spoke at a press conference, displaying humility but also great determination, emphasizing that his team will not abandon their playing identity, even against one of Europe's strongest teams.
Conte's words: "We cannot change our nature."
"We can't change our nature," Conte reiterated, "I don't think we should raise our gloves just to defend ourselves." The coach made it clear that Napoli will take to the field to play their own game, with their strengths and weaknesses, looking to cause problems for the reigning champions. His approach is clear: to face the "students" with an awareness of their own strengths, but with the desire to "confront the masters" to grow and understand where they stand on the path they've taken.
Analysis on Hojlund and his return to England
Conte also commented on the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund , who already had an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United. "The important thing is that players who can help come in," said the coach, who then offered words of encouragement to the young Danish striker: "He's still 22, he has a whole career ahead of him."
His return to England is a source of pride for him: "Returning to Manchester for a European competition is a source of pride. I'm returning with Napoli, who won the Scudetto. We'll be facing a team that has made football history." Conte expressed his joy at returning to a country where he had "experiences with top clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham," and reiterated the importance of approaching the Champions League with "humility," but also with "an awareness of one's own strength."
Conte's analysis of Hojlund is interesting, but I don't know if the strategy is right. Perhaps they should focus on a more solid defense, especially against a team like Manchester City, which has strong, fast attackers.