Napoli Boss Antonio Conte Downplays Kvaratskhelia Departure, Eyes Atalanta Test

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has called on his team to focus on their own growth and development ahead of a crucial clash against Atalanta, following the departure of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has acknowledged that the team will need to adapt quickly to the departure of influential forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. With a tough test against Atalanta looming on Saturday, Conte emphasized the importance of adjusting to life without Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger is set to join Paris Saint-Germain after confirming his exit from Napoli in a social media post on Thursday.

Antonio Conte addressed the media on Friday, discussing the challenges posed by the January transfer market. “I said that January was special, it's called the transfer market, so one-two, whoever leaves, whoever comes in...” Conte noted that the departure of key players can disrupt team dynamics, saying: “Due to locker room dynamics, human dynamics, relationships are also created between (the players), it's inevitable that such strong shocks can create small imbalances.”

Conte emphasized the need for Napoli to maintain their unity and recreate their team chemistry with new players. “We will have to be good at maintaining the unity created up until January 1 (and) recreate that alchemy with the new players, to also make up for Kvara's absence,” he said. Despite Kvaratskhelia's recent injury absences, Napoli have continued to perform well, and David Neres has started to make a positive impact under Conte.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and momentum, despite the challenges posed by the departure of key players. “Head down and pedal, whatever happens,” Conte added. “Some things we can direct, others not and we don't waste energy... Today I have to be focused on the team, we are doing something beautiful and I have to protect it, these guys deserve it.”

With a crucial clash against Atalanta looming, Conte highlighted the strengths of their opponents. “Atalanta won 11 games in a row. They were strong and have remained strong, and they are aware of (it) because they won the Europa League, beating the German champions (Bayer Leverkusen),” Conte said. He also acknowledged Atalanta's impressive performances against top-tier teams, noting: “When you win you acquire that awareness that you can compete with anyone. They also showed it against Real Madrid, even if they lost the match, but it was wide open.”

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Despite Atalanta's strengths, Conte emphasized the need for Napoli to focus on their own growth and development. “Having said that, we must focus on ourselves, not on them, we have grown since the last match against them and we must continue in the process,” he said. With a tough run of fixtures ahead, including matches against Juventus and AS Roma, Conte's focus on Napoli's internal development will be crucial in maintaining their lead at the top of the table.