This appears to be a recurring theme with Antonio Conte. He joins a new team, sparks energy within the squad, possibly secures a title... but in the second season, he finds himself at the heart of a crisis.
Napoli are currently experiencing the latest version of this pattern. Conte took charge last season in his preferred role – the team had not qualified for any European tournaments, so their sole focus was Serie A. Naturally, he led them to theScudetto.
At present, Napoli are fourth in Serie A, but following a2-0 defeat against Bologna, they have suffered their fifth loss of the season across all competitions. Even more concerning, they have now failed to score in three consecutive matches.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Conte is expected to have a face-to-face meeting with the club’s board amid rising uncertainty about his future, although Napoli insider Carlo Alvino claims no such meeting will occur as Conte is currently in Turin with his family.
Criticism aimed at his own club
Regardless, speculation about Conte’s future has already started following his passionate remarks after the Bologna defeat.
"Bologna displayed passion, enthusiasm, and heart, while we collapsed at the first sign of adversity," he stated during his post-match press conference.
"Five losses since the season began are too many for a team regarded as a clear favorite for the title. Sorry to revisit past troubles, but we must remember that after winning the third Scudetto, Napoli ended up tenth. That should have been a warning," Conte added.
"We need to take action. I don’t want to accompany a dead man. If we want to achieve something together, that’s fine; otherwise, everyone must take responsibility. I always do. I dislike what I’m witnessing, and ultimately I am the first to accept responsibility," he continued.
Transfer-related concerns
These remarks come just weeks after Conte criticized his own club for their summer transfer dealings following the 6-2 defeat to PSV in the Champions League.
"Nine new signings were excessive; we lost our balance. I warned this season would be challenging because some things take time to settle," he said then about the summer transfer window when Napoli brought in nine new players.
Among them were forward Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United and Manchester City legend Kevin de Bruyne, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
This is not the first time Conte has clashed with his club over transfers, although this time the issue seems to be Napoli possibly over-investing in new players.
Following his successful periods at Juventus and the title-winning campaign with Inter, he openly criticized the lack of investment and even described Inter as a "downsized project" before agreeing to leave.
At Chelsea, he encountered internal conflicts because the club did not pursue the players he desired.
It remains uncertain whether the problems this season will cause him to leave Napoli just months after winning the Scudetto or if he will once again revive the so-called "dead man" scenario.
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