Emotional farewell alongside De Laurentiis as coach admits: “I failed to bring unity. Too Much Poison Around the Team”.
Antonio Conte has officially confirmed his departure from SSC Napoli, bringing an emotional end to a successful but turbulent two-year spell in Naples.
Sitting side by side with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis during a farewell press conference, Conte revealed he had already decided to leave more than a month ago.
“The decision was mine,” Conte admitted.
“I called De Laurentiis a month ago because, through our friendship, I felt my journey here was coming to an end.”
“I failed to create unity”
The former Italy and Juventus coach explained that his biggest disappointment was not tactical or sporting—but emotional.
“At Napoli I understood one thing: I wasn’t able to bring unity,” Conte said.
“And if that doesn’t happen, you cannot fight properly.”
Conte spoke openly about the atmosphere surrounding the team throughout the season.
“I felt too much poison around the squad. Napoli needs certain people to move away.”
The coach admitted this was the one battle he could not win.
“I failed in that aspect. I raised my hands because there are things I cannot change.”
“We did something historic”
Despite the difficult environment, Conte described his Napoli experience as unforgettable and historic.
“We won and achieved something important, something historic, like in Maradona’s time,” he said emotionally.
The coach reflected fondly on the celebrations following the Scudetto triumph.
“The best day was the title celebration and the parade on the Lungomare. I had never celebrated anything like that in my life.”
At the same time, he admitted the experience drained him emotionally.
“I thought I would enjoy it more, but these two years took a lot of energy from me.”
De Laurentiis: “If you change your mind, tell me at the last moment”
De Laurentiis revealed he tried to convince Conte to stay, understanding the pressure that comes with coaching in Naples.
“If Naples feels too small for you, I understand,” the president recalled telling him.
“We are not Bayern, PSG or Real Madrid. We must stay within a budget.”
The Napoli owner also made one final appeal.
“I told him: if you change your mind, let me know—even at the last moment.”
Regret over injuries and Europe
Both Conte and De Laurentiis reflected on a season heavily impacted by injuries, though they disagreed on how much more Napoli could have achieved.
De Laurentiis suggested Napoli might have repeated their title success without the injury crisis, but Conte disagreed.
“Inter are extremely strong,” the coach replied.
“Last season they reached the Champions League final.”
Conte also admitted there was disappointment over Napoli’s European campaign.
“The worst moment was Bologna. I feared everything could collapse.”
Still, he praised the team for surviving the difficult moments.
“We came out of this season alive.”
Future uncertain—for both Napoli and Conte
Conte avoided confirming his next destination but joked about speculation linking him to the Italian national team job.
“I read that people are suggesting Guardiola for Italy. I suggest him too,” he laughed.
“But can the federation really afford a top manager?”
Meanwhile, De Laurentiis confirmed Napoli will soon begin the search for a replacement.
“We have around thirty quality players and we will remain competitive,” he said.
“Now we wait for Conte’s final confirmation tomorrow, then we will begin looking.”
As one of the most intense managerial eras in Napoli’s recent history comes to an end, Conte leaves with trophies, unforgettable celebrations—and the feeling that the emotional weight of the job ultimately became too heavy to carry.
