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Napoli boss Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment at being unable to prevent the departure of the club's best players.
Antonio Conte arrived at Napoli last summer to a less-than-ideal situation. The club's two best players, Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, were looking for moves away.
According to Football Italia, Conte wanted both stars to stay but eventually accepted the sale of one, Osimhen.
However, Napoli delayed the move while searching for the right financial package, causing Osimhen to remain beyond the deadline and eventually sealing a loan move to Turkey.
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Conte Reflects on Failed Attempt to Keep Kvaratskhelia
Conte has expressed his disappointment at failing to persuade Kvaratskhelia to stay at the club.
Speaking to DAZN, the Napoli boss said:
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"I spoke about disappointment not towards the player, not towards the club, but towards myself, because I failed to change the situation in six months.
I do not say Kvara or the club let me down, I always take responsibility for my actions, I don’t put it on someone else."
Conte emphasized that his disappointment lies in his inability to make a difference in Kvaratskhelia's decision.
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"I thought I could have a different impact in these six months, but I realised we were right back where we started from. I want to make that clear because I saw some headlines today saying ‘Conte let down by Kvara.’ I am not let down by Kvara."
"I believe a coach should help a club to make decisions and advise on what players to sign. When I realise that I was unable to make a difference here, that is my disappointment."
Conte also acknowledged that Kvaratskhelia has the right to decide his own destiny.
"Maybe I was a little presumptuous, because I thought that I could have a stronger impact. I couldn’t do it. It’s a pity, because this is a great player, but we also have to accept reality."
The situation has reportedly cost Napoli dearly, with Paris Saint-Germain now willing to pay only €70m for Kvaratskhelia, down from a potential €200m package deal for both Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen last summer.
Osimhen's value has also dropped from €120m to €75m.
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