Antonio Conte says Napoli made ‘mistake’ after Hojlund and De Bruyne transfers

Napoli were slaughtered by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and Antonio Conte spoke at length about why the Serie A giants are not hitting the heights of last season

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has admitted his side may have signed too many players in the summer following their Champions League humbling against PSV Eindhoven. The Italian side’s trip to the Netherlands ended in a 6-2 defeat.

After a difficult start to the season, Scott McTominay scored a brace against PSV. However, after going up 1-0, Napoli went 4-1 down before finding the net for a second time. It is the club’s second European defeat of the season.

Nevertheless, the Serie A giants have started quickly in the league and sit third, one point behind league leaders AC Milan. But Conte believes his champions are not pushing the same limits as last season.

Napoli were active in the transfer market over the summer landing the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne. The pair headlined a group of 10 players that also included Sam Beukema, Noa Lang, Lorenzo Lucca and Eljif Elmas.

De Bruyne and Hojlund have both found success since their moves, but Conte reckons it may have been a mistake to be so prolific in the market in the summer. “It’s difficult because we conceded too easily, for sure we have to try to find the right motivation,” Conte told Ziggo Sport.

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“Last season we won an incredible Scudetto, and I think maybe we have to find again the right to be humble, to give time to the new players… nine players. Maybe it was a mistake, a mistake to put nine new players inside a squad because it’s not easy and it changed totally. But, I repeat, we have to try to work together, to do better in the next game.”

Conte spoke at length on the situation in his press conference. “There’s certainly disappointment, but when these situations happen, it’s not by chance,” Conte said.

“We’ll have to capitalise on what happened tonight to reverse a trend that hasn’t always impressed me. Last year, we won an extraordinary and incredible championship, where everyone pushed their limits with great unity and unity across the board.

“This year, however, between playing so many games and bringing in so many players… in my opinion, nine new players were too many. We weren’t balanced.

“I’ve always said this year would be difficult; there are some aspects that need to be absorbed over time. This is the level of the Champions League. We have little to say and a lot to work on, even though we know it will take a lot of effort. I experience the dressing room every day, so I say certain things, we mustn’t despair. We’ll try to recreate last year’s chemistry.

“We opened the transfer window because we were forced to, because last year we had a meagre squad and we did well to win the championship.

“We signed nine players, but it takes time and patience. The older players who achieved last year’s feat need to be good at getting back into the game, myself first. It’s building for the second season, we all did it together, and the players are the last ones who should take responsibility. However, since the start of the training camp, I’ve reiterated a few points – I don’t want to be too defensive or dissatisfied. I know I’m often exploited, but I’m trying to be honest and work hard.”

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