Antonio Conte, the former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea coach spoke with Walter Veltroni from Gazzetta dello Sport, in which he did not avoid questions about his future.
Veltroni started by asking who Conte was and where it all began:
“My father takes all the credit. He was the President of a historic team in my local area, Juventina Lecce. He did a bit of everything. He was President, coach and storekeeper. He washed the kits at home and made tea for the boys. My first memories of Football is associated with my father and Juventina Lecce. It was his passion. Ever since I started to walk, he started taking me to games. I grew up on Football and I never stopped.”
What colour was the shirt?
“Juventina Lecce was the same as Juventus.”
Do you think it was destiny then?
“It could be. My family were fans of Lecce and Juventus.”
Do you think football is an art or science?
“It is a mix. It is important to incorporate scientific knowledge, like medical techniques or technology. But in the same way, individuals are central to Football. A creative individual can influence a teams organisation. Art and science must be combined.”
What is your opinion on Juventus’ Champions League struggles despite their 8 year reign in Serie A?
“My Juventus was very different. Football was different. Juventus now take their position for granted, but when I was in charge, we were building back up from the bottom. We achieved our goals but today those goals are different. The club is maybe the third or fourth best in the world. The Champions League is not like the league, it’s not a matter of consistency. The Champions League is determined by factors hitting you at the right or wrong time.”
Would you return to Juve?
“There must be a will on both sides. Juventus are full of cheerful people who are on a wonderful journey and have seen the fruits of their labour. They are doing very well, but who knows, things can change in a day in football.”
A club who wants Conte, what do they have to offer?
“The experience I had abroad made me stronger and more complete. I would recommend it to any Italian coach. It’s tough but it improves you. Now today, if someone calls me I tell them I want to work with my ideas. I find it humiliating to be called and asked to do damage limitation at a club. If this is what you want, don’t call me. My goal is victory and my next club must share that purpose.”
Does this apply to Milan and Inter?
“It applies to any club. I believe I can beat anyone. I must be supported in this, otherwise I will stagnate.”
Fans of Roma dream of President Totti and coach Conte. Is it only a dream?
“I fell in love with Rome during my two year job with the Italian national team, playing at the Olimpico. You feel the passion on streets, full of people who live for Football. Right now, the conditions are not right but I think one day, sooner or later I will coach Roma.”
