Napoli coach Antonio Conte addressed the press after their away victory against Monza, stating: “Let`s start by discussing the match; it`s better. The players are feeling the strain, especially now that we are competing for something unexpected and unimaginable. At the start of the year, who would have predicted Napoli would be challenging Inter for the top spot? They probably would have been institutionalized. However, it should make us realize that we are truly exceeding all limits. And every week, we face increasing difficulties, as seen with the latest injury to Neres. Juan Jesus has ended his season, having admirably filled in for Buongiorno. I am pleased for Rafa Marin; his dedication is now deservedly paying off. Points are crucial now, and while our home crowd boosts us, we hadn`t won away for a while. Today, we won, and I`m also happy that the team was consistently engaged throughout the match, a sign of great maturity.
Many players are experiencing a head-to-head title race for the first time, which can be nerve-wracking and draining, not physically, but mentally. As for my personal life in Naples, I`m very happy and well-integrated with my family. There`s sunshine, the food is fantastic, the people are welcoming, and the Neapolitan fans move me. This is regarding my private life. But I can`t stop there. I carry a responsibility, and you journalists are the first to give it to me by saying that with Conte, you win. Since you place this responsibility on me, I don`t want to disappoint the fans. I can`t live on miracles, not on planning. I have respect and affection for the president. They asked for my help, and I`m giving it, but the Napoli fans want to win and have that ambition.”
“If we don`t win, they also become critical. I have to consider everything; I`m not stupid. I put immense pressure on myself, but I also need the right tools. Otherwise, it becomes a massacre, and I don`t want to be massacred. We will sit down with the president to talk and see. The Champions League revenues will come, and Kvara`s sale has helped financially. I`ve repaid everything with interest, but now we will speak clearly with the president. Now, we want to win together with my lads who are working their socks off. I have an excellent relationship with De Laurentiis, but respect is needed towards me too. Yesterday, I saw scavenging and zero respect. I don`t give a damn, but the scavenging from programs has disappointed me. I must protect myself, or this will have been a great journey together. I do it for the Napoli fans and for myself. I`m not putting my backside on the line to be abused. The head-to-head with Inter requires us to keep believing and have a bit of luck. Unfortunately, luck has been against us significantly since January. But we believe, and the players are commendable in difficulty. In difficulties, we are creating an important foundation. Seeing all these fans who support us and dream with us moves us. But it also gives me enormous responsibility.”