Conte: Napoli is indeed the favorite to win the championship, but the last time he was popular, he ended up 10th.

Hupu, August 22nd, Napoli will face Sassuolo in the first round of Serie A in 2025/2026. Napoli coach Conte attended the pre-match press conference.

What does losing Lukaku mean? What needs to be done on the court and on the transfer market?

"It was a serious injury, because he was a weighty player who played an important role in his Serie A championship trip last year. But we are very clear that this situation could happen in the season. There were also important things that happened last year, not only injuries, but things in the transfer market. Sometimes it seemed that everything was about to collapse, but these guys have proved that they can handle everything."

"What we have to do is not complain and make excuses, but find a solution. Every time we encountered difficulties last year, we did not cry, but found a solution. They knew in their hearts that the players and I didn't talk about Lukaku's injury at all, because that's part of the game, just like the transfer market, we have to do it to make the resources at hand shine as much as possible."

It was difficult to achieve a championship, and Napoli had never done it, but you did it, what would you say to the players?

"Frankly, there is no need to repeat the things that we have emphasized for a long time and will continue to work hard. This is a serious and responsible team, who yearn for progress and work every day, and I don't need to remind you anymore."

"What I want to emphasize is just a historical fact: Napoli has never won the championship again after winning the championship. After the last championship, we were also considered popular. At that time, there were Osmeen, Kvaratshelia, and Jelinsky, but only lost Kim Min-jae and completed it. The final result of the signings worth 100 million euros is ranked tenth. This must be deeply imprinted in everyone's hearts, including the entire environment, because winning is celebrated together, and losing is also undertaken by everyone."

"This will be a difficult season, with many strong teams, we must do our best and also open up the road for other teams. Because last year's victory has opened up new horizons for many teams, not just those who have always been accustomed to competition. "

Are you satisfied with the transfer market?

"I won't talk about the transfer market." Is the starting goalkeeper sure?

"I have no doubts, but I always have to make a decision because I have two excellent goalkeepers. I will not forget Contini, who is an excellent third goalkeeper and is always ready when the team needs it. I have two excellent goalkeepers. There is a good atmosphere in the team. Everyone is very calm. I will evaluate the game according to the characteristics of the game. I trust them and they are on standby at any time."

"We are trying to improve the level of competition, which is what we need most. What we need now is to train hard, talk less, and do our best. As for whether the starting goalkeeper tomorrow has already decided? Do you think I have chosen or will you wait until the last moment? Everyone knows what you should know."

If the transfer market is over now, what is your satisfaction with the existing lineup from 1 to 10?

"This should not be said by me. It is not me who should give evaluation or ratings. There are experts and professionals who are better at doing this than me. I have never scored the lineup and will not in the future. My task is to use the existing resources to do the best possible. We have always thought about it this way. The team also achieved extraordinary results last year."

After losing Lukaku, has your popularity decreased?

"We did lose a major player, but that's all. As for whether it's popular or not, as long as we have the Serie A championship badge on our chest, it will be defined as hot, and even if we lose all the players, it's still hot. But as I said, this is not enough. Even if it's popular, it may be a mess in the second year. This must be a warning. Winning is everyone together, and losing is everyone together." How does De Bruyne and McTominay coexist? How much potential do they have in offense?

"Everything remains to be defined and tested. We just worked for a month and it's hard to make a conclusion now. I don't like empty talk, but like to believe in the facts. In the end, we have to let the stadium speak to answer all the questions in your mind. We need to wait until the real game before we do the evaluation."

What's the highlight of Serie A this season? Is it Naples as a popular person, or is it De Bruyne or Modric coming to Italy, or the return of Allegri?

"We are popular, but the last time we were popular, we ranked tenth. This is my first answer. As for De Bruyne and Modric, they are two great players. Now everyone is paying attention to the speech, but the facts will be reflected on the court. No matter how many highlights there are, the game must continue to play."

"Alegri? He is a great coach, and his resume itself is the best proof, and I don't need to say more. It will be a difficult season, it will be very balanced, and many people have returned, such as Sarri and Gasperini went to Rome, and Roma won the most points in the second half of the season, and Pioli also brought Milan to the championship. We must be prepared because it will be a tough battle."