Antonio Conte's Blaming Napoli's Summer Signings for Struggles

Napoli's transfer window under fire as Conte voices frustration

Antonio Conte expresses frustration with Napoli's summer signings, sparking speculation about his future at the club.

“Nine new signings were too many; we lost the balance...”

Antonio Conte is under pressure at Napoli following a 2-0 loss to Bologna, with reports suggesting he's facing crunch talks with the club's hierarchy. This isn't the first time Conte has faced challenges in his second season at a club - he previously experienced similar issues at Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter.

Conte's criticism of Napoli's summer transfers, including the signings of Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne, has added to the speculation about his future. He reportedly described the transfer window as a “mistake” and expressed concerns about the team's balance and mentality.

Napoli is experiencing a familiar pattern under Antonio Conte. He took over last season, focusing on Serie A, and led them to the Scudetto. However, this season has been different, with Napoli currently sitting fourth in Serie A and struggling with injuries and poor performances.

The 2-0 loss to Bologna has added to the pressure, marking their fifth defeat across competitions and a worrying three-game scoreless streak. Reports suggest Conte is set to meet with the club's board to discuss his future, although Napoli insider Carlo Alvino disputes this, claiming Conte is in Turin with his family.

Conte's Scathing Criticism of Napoli

Antonio Conte has sparked speculation about his future at Napoli after delivering a scathing critique of his team's performance following their 2-0 loss to Bologna. “Bologna showed passion, enthusiasm and heart, while we melted away at the first negative situation,” Conte said, expressing his disappointment and frustration with the team's lack of energy and desire.

Conte's harsh words have raised questions about his future at the club, with reports suggesting he may meet with Napoli's hierarchy to discuss the team's poor start to the season. “I don't want to accompany a dead man,” Conte warned, emphasizing the need for a change in attitude and approach. He added, “If we want to do something together, fine; otherwise, we all have to take responsibility.”

“Five defeats since the start of the season are too many for a team that was labelled as a clear favourite for the title. Sorry to bring up skeletons from the past, but we mustn’t forget that after winning the third Scudetto, Napoli then finished tenth. That should’ve been a lesson,” Conte added.

“We must do something. I don’t want to accompany a dead man. If we want to do something together, it’s fine; otherwise, we all have to take responsibility. I always do it. I don’t like what I’m seeing, and eventually I’m the first one to take responsibility,” he continued.

Conte's Ongoing Criticism of Napoli's Transfer Strategy

Antonio Conte has continued to express his dissatisfaction with Napoli's summer transfer window, stating, “Nine new signings were too many; we lost the balance. I warned this year would be difficult, because some things take time to absorb.” This comes after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bologna, which has heightened speculation about Conte's future at the club.

Conte's criticism is focused on the club's decision to bring in nine new players, including Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne, saying, “I don't see alchemy but everyone thinking about their own problem. Heart transplants aren't possible. Each of us must rediscover the spirit, the heart, the wickedness.” He added, “If you lose five games, it means that something is not going right. Something needs to be done, because I don't want to accompany a dead person, I am the first eventually and take responsibility.”

Antonio Conte is no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to transfers. He's had his fair share of clashes with clubs over player investments, and Napoli is the latest example. Conte publicly criticized Inter for lack of investment, labeling it a “downsized project” before leaving. He also faced internal struggles at Chelsea due to disagreements over player pursuits.

🇮🇹🎙️Conte: "It pains me, after winning the Scudetto, to even mention the specter of finishing tenth again, but we must reflect. I will talk with the club. Right now, we are doing the bare minimum and there is not yet the desire to fight together the way there was last year. It… pic.twitter.com/PcnDxPMiJ6

— Napoli Zone (@TheNapoliZone) November 9, 2025

Conte's current situation at Napoli is precarious, with reports suggesting he's facing crunch talks with the club's hierarchy after a 2-0 loss to Bologna. The Italian coach has expressed frustration with the team's performance and questioned the club's summer transfers, saying “Nine new signings were too many; we lost the balance.”

The Napoli boss has singled out Rasmus Hojlund as a positive, despite the striker's struggles, and criticized the team's lack of energy and desire. With five defeats in all competitions this season, Conte's future at Napoli hangs in the balance. It's unclear whether he'll revive the team's fortunes or depart the club.