Former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte won the Serie A title with Napoli last season after leaving Spurs in March 2023
Antonio Conte has revealed he’s brought something to Napoli that previously worked for him during his spell in charge of Tottenham.
The Italian tactician is now in his second season in charge in Naples after his debut campaign ended in Serie A title glory.
Despite the club’s success, one of Conte’s methods has recently been criticised in the Italian press, prompting an explanation from the 56-year-old.
During international breaks at Spurs, Conte would often have the first week off to completely reset and recharge his batteries.
He’s now doing similar at Napoli, though some feel he should continue to work during the break as not all of his players jet off to join up with their respective nations.
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Conte said on Sunday after his side beat Roma 1-0 away from home: “With Tottenham, they gave me the right to a week off. I didn’t even ask for it. In agreement with the club, considering that there are four months of constant play, we made this decision.”
Just a month or so prior to his Tottenham departure, Conte was also given some time off to focus on his health following an operation to remove his gallbladder.
He has made it clear he feels there are huge benefits to managers having small breaks particularly due to the fixture pileup.
Conte continued: “I’ll take it again: playing every three days, getting some fresh air is a positive thing. For me, for my family, and for those who remain in Castel Volturno.”
There were rumblings that Conte was going to quit Napoli at the end of last season following intense conversations with the club’s hierarchy.
Similar rumours have swirled in recent weeks too but on the field, his troops look well-equipped to defend the Scudetto.
Napoli are currently tied on 28 points with AC Milan at the top of the table having won nine of their 13 Serie A matches to date.
The club could also be active in the January transfer window with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo a long-standing target.
Rather typically of Conte’s history, he has struggled in the Champions League this season though winning just two of their five league phase matches.
They were thumped 6-2 at PSV in October and are now in a fight to secure qualification for the knockout stages with star man Kevin De Bruyne still absent through injury.
