The Napoli coach’s jab after winning the fifth golden bench: “I know that in Germany they are looking for solutions”
“I don’t know what Allegri said but he certainly isn’t playing much…”. The theme is the one expressed – forcefully – after Napoli-Fiorentina, the jab at Max comes at the end of a well-directed chat. Antonio Conte wins his fifth golden bench (after three with Juve and one with Inter) and returns to the theme of “they are killing the players”, of “we play too much”. And he says: “Everyone is in agreement on that issue – continues the Napoli coach – and they are 360°, there is sure solidarity: the fact is that no one does anything. Reducing the teams in Serie A? I’m a coach, it’s not up to me. Sometimes you have stress after the match, but at least the injury to Di Lorenzo is less serious than expected: perhaps we were thinking of 6-7 months and instead, even if unfortunately, it will be one-two. As for playing too much, there they are responsible institutions: I know that the German federation is looking for solutions, but whether it is after the match or not, it is difficult to hide certain thoughts, the problem is that everyone agrees, but nothing is being done.
maresca and the special prize
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Antonio is focused on his legitimate position and smiling, the victory over Fiorentina has made him more serene. “This 2024-25 Golden Bench has a strong value because the votes are from those who experience the bench – continues the Napoli coach – and we know that winning in Naples is not easy, so it has a higher meaning. Italy? I support so much that I also thought about that when Di Lorenzo got hurt, but I’m optimistic. Allegri? I don’t know what he said, I was here, but he certainly isn’t playing much…”. In the meantime, there was also Enzo Maresca, world champion with Chelsea, now his former club, who then held a lesson in the Aula Magna. “What do I think about the fact that we play too much? That this is the situation: either you adapt or you don’t train or you don’t play. A FIFA study highlighted that during the season the two teams that recorded the most injuries were Chelsea and PSG, coincidentally the World Cup finalists. What if I return to coaching in Italy? I’m fine abroad but we’ll see: it’s not what you did that matters but your will… Italy? I hope they go to the World Cup and I’m optimistic, I’m cheering: also because abroad they’ll get you around a bit” says the world champion smiling.
