Conte: Napoli have ‘respect’ for Juventus, but ‘unbeatable teams don’t exist’

Antonio Conte Napoli (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte believes that Napoli need the utmost respect for Juventus given that they are still unbeaten in Serie A this season, even if they have drawn 13 of their 21 league matches, but insists that Thiago Motta’s unbeaten league primato has to come to an end ‘sooner or later’. 

Conte gave his assessment of his side, his former side and the challenge for the Serie A title during his pre-match press conference ahead of the blockbuster clash between Napoli and Juventus at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday. 

Conte on Juventus reflections and Napoli aspirations

The Partenopei boss began his chat with the press with a moment of reflection given that it is now 14 years since he became head coach of Juventus. 

“14 years ago, well, most of my life in football was spent there, and it was great. A great lesson in every aspect. I try to be better, not just compared to those times, but also compared to 24 hours ago. We have a duty to improve every day. I feel much more complete as a coach, I’m 55 years old, I’ve had great experiences abroad at great clubs,” Conte said, reported via TMW. 

Conte made it clear to his players that the job is far from over, despite the team sitting three points clear at the top of the Serie A table. 

“We have to continue what we’ve started,” he said “We can’t let ourselves think that we’re near the end after just six months. We have to wait and continue on this journey and hope it will last for as long as possible. 

“Some things are missing, we’re only at the beginning. Even though we’ve come so far, you can’t wake up and decide overnight that you’re ready to win. That said, we work to optimise everything and bring the best of ourselves out.

“Maybe it’s because of my experience, but I always want to stay cautious because I know we need to take more steps. I know from the inside that important ‘steps’ are needed to say for us to get there.” 

Conte: Unbeatable teams ‘don’t exist’

Juventus are the only team to still be unbeaten in Serie A after 21 matches, but the Bianconeri have drawn criticism for the fact that the majority of those matches have resulted in draws. 

Conte is not one of those critics, but he does warn that unbeatable teams ‘don’t exist’. 

“Juventus are unbeaten in 21 games, no team has managed to beat them, so all these comments are not quite right. Lots of those draws could have been wins, which is what has created this gap. Let’s not forget that last year we were 18-20 points off Juventus. 

“Let’s forget about the gaps compared to Juve, Milan and Atalanta. Every now and again we can remind ourselves. We’ve all forgotten about the gap from last season now.” 

He continued: “They (Unbeatable teams) don’t exist, you have to lose sooner or later. Defeat is a part of life. They are a team with strong players and last year they picked up a lot of points near the top. They had an excellent transfer window, they are in the Champions, they are a top club, like the Milan clubs, you always have to have a lot of respect. 

“You can’t hide there, but the goal is always to win.” 

Conte was also asked about his celebrations following the 3-2 win away against Atalanta last fine settimana. The coach was spotted addressing tifosi via a megaphone from the team coach while the players were on their way back from Bergamo. 

“Just to be clear, I didn’t take the megaphone, it was given to me,” Conte pleaded. “Some people might believe it was hidden in a suitcase, but it was given to me to say a few words as it’s increasingly difficult to say thank you these days.

“It’s hard to hear it back, but it’s the least I could do for me and the team to thank the fans who packed out Atalanta before and after in an incredible way. I think we would still be at Capodichino if I hadn’t said something. 

“These are situations that make you realise where you are, how much passion there is, how football is experienced and they are things that you will always carry with you in life.”