The coach's first media conference in Trentino
Antonio Conte cast his eye over what lies ahead for the Italian champions as he spoke during his first press conference at the club's training camp in Dimaro.
“We have some new players who have joined us for the present and for the future. There's work to be done but the club and I are convinced that we can build solid, lasting foundations. It's a wonderful plan that can fulfil the ambition of Naples and Neapolitans.
“We have a challenging season ahead of us but we must focus on ourselves so that we can improve and achieve new targets. We know that being the reigning champions puts you in the spotlight and brings added pressure but we're happy to deal with that. We know we mustn't repeat what happened two years ago after winning the title.
"As the reigning champions you start off as favourites. We're not going to shy away from that because we worked so hard to win the Scudetto. It's an added incentive for us to defend our title.
"The president is a very intelligent man and he hasn't set any particular target other than to make sure Neapolitans are proud of our team. Last season the Maradona was nearly always sold out. The fans saw the spirit we played with and we must continue with that same spirit.
What's the slogan for this season after amma fatica' last season?
“I've already said it: amma fatica' again. The extra bit in English is to take us onto the international stage since we'll be playing in the Champions League.
“If we want to stick to Neapolitan, we can say amma faticà più assaje because we want to give our fans more joy and to do that we're going to have to multiply our efforts.”
How will this pre-season be different with the addition of Champions League football?
“The fitness and tactical work we do in pre-season won't be much different but during the season we'll obviously have less time to train and more time playing. We'll try to use matches as a way to keep the whole squad trained. Last year the lads were ready when called upon and we'll need the same again this year. We're going to have lots of games and we'll need everyone.
“We can't talk about first-choice players and reserves anymore because everyone has to be involved given the number of matches we'll have to play. [Kevin] De Bruyne is obviously a world-class player who needs no introductions. There are other players who haven't peaked yet but who want to prove themselves on the highest stage. We have players with big potential to improve themselves and the team if they buy into the cause and our team spirit. You won't get anywhere with those values.
“We're proud of what we've achieved so far and we'll try to do well in the Champions League too. We know we won't start as favourites but we have a team that can do well and cause problems for anyone. We'll be up for the challenge.”
