Antonio Conte has mentioned his gamers ‘melted like snow’ on the opening day of the 2024/25 season as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Verona, lacking a golden alternative to make a joke about Neapolitan ice cream.
Napoli fell to a disappointing tenth place in Serie A final season having gained the title the yr earlier than – their lowest end since 2008/09. Within the course of they burned by three managers (Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Calzona) earlier than turning to former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur supervisor Conte in the summertime.
Conte had already warned that Napoli did not find yourself going from champions to mid-table by chance, and was left aghast as his facet – lacking transfer-linked high scorer Victor Osimhen – conceded three targets within the second half towards Verona to undergo an opening-day defeat on Sunday.
VIDEO Why Arsenal Need Mikel Merino So Badly
Antonio Conte desires to see if ‘anybody else is bleeding’ after Napoli defeat
Conte instructed Sky Sport Italia: “Within the first half, there was just one group in it. I don’t assume Verona had a shot. Having mentioned that, we instantly let Verona have a shot at first of the second half, and within the second occasion we went behind.
“Then we melted like snow within the solar. What I really feel like saying is that we should always apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who observe us with such ardour. I’m the coach and it’s proper that I take full duty.
“I humbly apologise as a result of the second half was unacceptable. A efficiency that exhibits we have to work onerous in each side. I got here to Napoli with numerous enthusiasm, with nice need. If I may help Napoli, I’ll.
“There’s solely disgrace. I’m ashamed as a coach. A factor like this has not often occurred to me, each as a participant and as a coach. Immediately my coronary heart is bleeding. Let’s see if anybody else is bleeding within the subsequent few days.”
Victor Osimhen was not concerned within the matchday squad away to Verona (Picture credit score: Alamy)
Conte had expressed his unhappiness earlier than the season started, saying: “We should not assume that final season was a coincidence. Possibly there are individuals who discuss unhealthy luck or different issues, however to that I say simply have a look at the desk, and it exhibits an enormous hole in comparison with different groups.
“Anybody who thinks it was simply unhealthy luck is much from actuality. I anticipated a greater state of affairs, constructive surprises, which is why once I spoke at first I mentioned, even after such a destructive yr we should not throw the whole lot away however let’s perceive if there are additionally constructive issues,.
“I anticipated constructive surprises, however I had a tough time discovering any. However you arrive and there are 9, ten, exits. We’re not saying that we’re at yr zero however on the yr very near zero. It doesn’t scare me but it surely’s higher to be clear, when there’s actuality and readability you recognize the place to go and what issues to face.”
Extra tales
Alan Shearer suggestions Arsenal to beat Manchester Metropolis to Premier League title …in the event that they make one key signing
Cristiano Ronaldo provided himself to Manchester Metropolis , however Pep Guardiola brutally rejected him: report
Manchester United report: Sensational Jadon Sancho deal lined up with Chelsea
