Conte references Milan’s title ambitions and comments on Napoli future amid exit talk | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has stated his belief that AC Milan are underperforming relative to expectations, while commenting on his own future at Napoli.

As has been widely written about already, yesterday could have been a completely different story had Milan decided to go with Conte last summer rather than entrusting Paulo Fonseca with the task of replacing Sergio Conceicao.

The work that the Italian coach has done in Naples has been commendable, taking them from a ninth-placed finish last season to being right in the title fight with Inter. Last night’s 2-1 win over the Rossoneri will have perhaps made Giorgio Furlani and co. feel some regrets.

Yet, there is talk that in the summer Milan and Conte’s paths could finally converge amid speculation that he may in fact leave Napoli in search of a new challenge.

Speaking to DAZN after Napoli’s win to keep pace with Inter in the title race, Conte answered questions on the game and on his future beyond this season, which MilanNews have relayed.

How do you feel the game went?

“Certainly after the first half in which we practically dominated. Let’s not forget that Milan is a team that started with ambitions of winning the title and in January they further strengthened the squad to then try to find a place in the Champions League.

“We had a very good first half. Then I forced a situation with Anguissa, he had an adductor problem. McTominay became unavailable and I had to take some risks.

“We dropped a bit, a bit of fear set in to hold on to this result: a result that keeps us in the slipstream of Inter and keeps fifth in the standings at a distance.

“Winning today was fundamental, the next round is very difficult, we’re going to Bologna. After 8 months of work it would be crazy not to believe in something extraordinary.”

Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

You gave a clear signal regarding the title race…

“Today it wasn’t easy, we play after Inter and we play against a great team that is Milan: there were all the prerogatives to create a gap that would have been hard to fill. We gave an important response. We need everything, today we lost McTominay at the last minute and I had to change the formation.

“We would have started with a 4-4-2, Raspadori and McTominay on the left wing. These are the typical days when the coach hates being a coach, you have to find and solve the problem immediately. In fact, I took a paracetamol because I have a headache.”

What does your future hold?

“As for my integration in Naples, it was perfect, beyond expectations. I was welcomed very well right away. It was the first time I received without having given anything, I felt indebted. What we have to do is be aware that we are doing something extraordinary and miraculous.

“We have only participated in one competition this year, now what we all have to do is be fierce and focus on the present. After the 8 games we will think about the future, that’s what I feel like saying.”