Cry of a desperate Conte: "I don't want to work with dead team"

They sit just two points adrift of league leaders Inter, yet Antonio Conte didn’t hold back in his criticism following Napoli’s 0-2 loss in Bologna, even turning the scrutiny on himself.

“We lacked energy in everything. It’s disappointing that our opponents showed more positivity and more determination than we did,” the 56-year-old admitted to DAZN. “It’s already our fifth defeat this year – that should give us pause for thought.”

Conte didn’t mince words about the squad’s current state: “Three or four months have passed – and still no chemistry, no fighting spirit. I don't know if we can change that.” He added, “I don't want to work with a dead team. Everyone has to take responsibility – me first.”

The manager had previously expressed concerns back in October about the squad’s composition: “Last year we won the championship with just a few players. This year we have more matches and more players – nine new signings were too many for me.”

Conte was blunt about his own role in the situation: “I am disappointed because I can no longer find the energy in the boys – that means I am not doing my job well enough.”

Despite Napoli’s overall struggles, Conte highlighted one positive: Rasmus Hojlund, on loan from Manchester United. “He worked well up front,” Conte noted.

Offensively, the Dane stands out as a rare bright spot. With three matches already gone without a goal, and key figures like Romelu Lukaku and midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne sidelined through injury, Napoli is clearly lacking firepower in attack.