A month ago Antonio Conte complained that he had too many players, today he complains that there are too few: however, we can all recognize the difference in Napoli’s situation.
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A month ago Conte was confused and with little control over his team, but today he is firmly in command. Napoli has taken its form, and even in defeat it can recognize itself. This is why he is so calm in the conference after Benfica-Napoli.
«A misstep», they tell him, «I wouldn’t call it a misstep», he softens. Of course, then the full set of complaints started: «Let’s not forget that Benfica played on Friday, so they had two more days available», «A bit of physical and mental tiredness sets in». Those familiar with the semiotics of Antonio Conte’s complaints recognize a substantial difference between an interview in which Conte complains in order to destroy and one in which he complains in order to consolidate, as a patient bricklayer, the team’s unity. Cement it against the outside world.
A serene man.
Conte was happy. Maybe Napoli weren’t lucid against Benfica, but what can you blame their players? They play so much, they’re tired. Fortunately, the next day they can stay with their families and rest.
It’s all true. Napoli were coming off five consecutive victories and a frightening streak of direct clashes against Atalanta, Roma and Juventus, which ended with three victories. If we put the injuries on the scale, and the fact that yesterday he had to play with Elmas in the two midfielders, it is an understandable defeat. Away, at the Da Luz stadium against Benfica, not easy. Yet it is still impressive to see Conte so serene, after a result that almost compromised – or in any case made it decidedly difficult – qualification for the direct phase of the Champions League. Another result that worsens its already terrible European reputation.
What has changed compared to a month ago is that Conte now seems perfectly in command of Napoli. Even in these defeats, in the usual unfortunate European midweek, Conte can recognize himself. A team that perhaps cannot handle the double/triple commitment, but the your squad. There is a difference between a dull team and a tired one.
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