Conte Criticizes Supercoppa Format Emphasizing We Are Not Here by Invitation
Antonio Conte expressed satisfaction with his team, Napoli, after their 2-0 victory against AC Milan in the Supercoppa semifinals. The match took place at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With this win, Napoli has secured a place in the final, scheduled for December 22 at 20:00 CET, where they will face either Bologna or Inter Milan.
Conte Criticizes Supercoppa Format: “We Are Not Here by Invitation”
In his post-match comments, Conte highlighted the difficulties of the Supercoppa format. He noted that players face challenges with frequent matches, which can lead to performance inconsistencies. “It’s tiring to repeat ourselves,” he said, underscoring the toll of playing every three days.
Conte emphasized that his team earned their spot in the competition. “We are not here by invitation but because we deserved it,” he stated. He expressed pride in his players for honoring their championship title while competing against a formidable opponent like AC Milan.
Upcoming Challenges and Team Dynamics
Looking ahead, Conte acknowledged the need to manage player fatigue as the season progresses. “We have to focus on recovering our energies,” he remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining peak performance levels.
- Final Match Date: December 22
- Final Match Time: 20:00 CET
- Upcoming Opponents: Bologna or Inter Milan
When asked about managing players like Romelu Lukaku, who is returning from injury, Conte responded, “First, we need to get Lukaku back.” He mentioned the significant experience Lukaku brings to the team, along with other key players like Oliveira. Conte also praised the contributions of players such as Politano, Juan Jesus, and Lobotka, highlighting their critical roles in the team’s strategy.
Conte concluded, “The right spirit is evident in the team.” His comments reflect a dedication to resilience and unity as Napoli moves forward in their pursuit of further success.
