Antonio Conte admits Napoli ‘mistake’ after Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin de Bruyne transfers

Antonio Conte believes Napoli made a mistake by signing nine players in the summer transfer window.

Conte guided Napoli to the Serie A title last season and his squad was significantly strengthened in the summer with nine new arrivals including Kevin De Bruyne, Rasmus Hojlund and Noa Lang.

Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, one point behind leaders AC Milan, after their 1-0 defeat to Torino last weekend.

But in the Champions League, Napoli face a tough task in securing automatic qualification for the knockout phase after they were hammered 6-2 by PSV on Tuesday night.

The defeat leaves Napoli with three points from their first three games, while Conte’s side still have Eintracht Frankfurt, Qarabag, Benfica, FC Copenhagen and Chelsea left to play in the league phase.

Speaking after the defeat to PSV, Conte claims Napoli’s squad now lacks balance due to their summer signings.

‘It’s difficult because we conceded too easily, for sure we have to try to find the right motivation,’ Conte told Ziggo Sport.

‘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.’

In his post-match press conference, Conte reiterated his belief that Napoli signed too many new players in the summer window.

‘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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