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The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has made his feeling clear about Napoli's position this summer and went even further after they lost 3-0 on the opening day
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Antonio Conte has said his players 'melted like snow' on the opening day of the 2024/25 season as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Verona, missing a golden opportunity to make a joke about Neapolitan ice cream. Napoli fell to a disappointing 10th place in Serie A last season having won the title the year before - their lowest finish since 2008/09. In the process they burned through three managers (Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Calzona) before turning to former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Conte in the summer. Conte had already warned that Napoli didn't end up going from champions to mid-table by accident, and was left aghast as his side - missing transfer-linked top scorer Victor Osimhen - conceded three goals in the second half against Verona to suffer an opening-day defeat on Sunday. VIDEO Why Arsenal Want Mikel Merino So Badly Conte told Sky Sport Italia: “In the first half, there was only one team in it. I don’t think Verona had a shot. Having said that, we immediately let Verona have a shot at the start of the second half, and in the second instance we went behind. “Then we melted like snow in the sun. What I feel like saying is that we should apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who follow us with such passion. I am the coach and it is right that I take full responsibility. “I humbly apologise because the second half was unacceptable. A performance that shows we need to work hard in every aspect. I came to Napoli with lots of enthusiasm, with great desire. If I can help Napoli, I will. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “There is only shame. I am ashamed as a coach. A thing like this has rarely happened to me, both as a player and as a coach. Today my heart is bleeding. Let’s see if anyone else is bleeding in the next few days. ” Conte had expressed his unhappiness before the season began, saying: “We must not think that last season was a coincidence. Maybe there are people who talk about bad luck or other things, but to that I say just look at the table, and it shows a huge gap compared to other teams. “Anyone who thinks it was just bad luck is far from reality. I expected a better situation, positive surprises, which is why when I spoke at the beginning I said, even after such a negative year we must not throw everything away but let’s understand if there are also positive things, . “I expected positive surprises, but I had a hard time finding any. But you arrive and there are nine, ten, exits. We are not saying that we are at year zero but at the year very close to zero. It doesn’t scare me but it’s better to be clear, when there is reality and clarity you know where to go and what problems to face. ” Alan Shearer tips Arsenal to beat Manchester City to Premier League title. .. if they make one key signing Cristiano Ronaldo offered himself to Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola brutally rejected him: report Manchester United report: Sensational Jadon Sancho deal lined up with Chelsea Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Join now for unlimited access Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, We Are Terriers. com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023. Fantasy Premier League players manage to break game's rules with ingenius loophole Manchester United in talks to sign Turkey superstar in dramatic late deal: report Newcastle United learn new asking price for Liverpool defender amid Marc Guehi failings: report Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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