Antonio Conte on Napoli future: “I’d like to continue”

Serie A giants Napoli picked up an all-important 2-1 win over Lecce and solidified their spot in the top three. After that, Antonio Conte was asked about his future.

There have been doubts about the Italian in recent weeks – mainly due to Napoli’s inability to be involved in a title race.

Finishing inside the top four has, as a result, become a key target for the Partenopei, who couldn’t go past the group stages of the Champions League earlier in the season.

In the presser after the win over Lecce, Conte was asked about his future. He made it clear that he is happy to continue and will speak to the club about whether there are enough conditions to stay together beyond this season.

He said – relayed by AreaNapoli, indicating a desire to honour his three-year-deal: “When I signed for Napoli, I did it for three years. The project is three years. I said that when I leave Naples, I want to have solid foundations. We’ve won a Scudetto, a Super Cup, and we’ve played in the Champions League. Many top coaches set the Champions League as their objective because it brings in a lot of money.”

Conte further suggested his future can hinge on Napoli’s own plans and whether they align those of his own at the club.

“I’m not tying Napoli to my contract. If we’re not on the same page, I’ll say goodbye with great affection . I get along great with the fans and the city in Naples. I’d like to continue; if there’s the right conditions, we’ll do so. I bring expectations for the media, for the other teams, sitting on the bench, I either have to finish first or second, that’s what history says. We’ll try to respond to the fireworks on the pitch.”

Conte has been no stranger to making his views clear about the project, having complained about transfers and injuries. So it remains to be seen if he is willing to commit to another season, amidst obvious issues.