ไทย
English
中國人
Antonio Conte has dismissed speculation that he is currently in talks with any club about a return to coaching. This comes largely amid growing chatter about potentially stepping in for Michael Carrick at Manchester United as pressure mounts on the struggling club.
Conte, who has claimed six league titles with four clubs across Italy and England, has also been loosely connected with Juventus and AC Milan back in his home country. Juve, where he previously served as manager from 2011 to 2014, are already playing catch-up with Serie A's top sides, though Milan have since bounced back from a brief dip in form in September.
The 57-year-old most recently managed Napoli, guiding them to the Serie A championship in 2024–25. However, he departed by mutual agreement at the close of last season and has yet to take on a new role. His impressive track record and current availability naturally make him a subject of widespread speculation.
Conte appears receptive to exploring interest from clubs, but felt the need on Friday to "clarify" the current situation. In a social media post, he stated there are "currently no negotiations at an advanced stage." The former Juventus midfielder added that he still intends to "take the time to consider how and when to return to management," which will only occur when the "conditions are right."
He elaborated: "I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality.' These reports are unfounded.
"Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager."
Conte stressed that "assumptions" being circulated about his "demands and professional future" are precisely that at this point and "cannot be treated as fact."
Conte Not the Best Fit for Current Man Utd
Manchester United have been cautioned that Conte, while undeniably capable of delivering results, can be a challenging figure to work with given his demanding approach to the job.
He is also widely regarded as a short-term solution rather than a long-term architect, typically lasting two seasons or fewer at each club. Juventus, where he spent three seasons over a decade ago, remains the sole exception to that pattern across his 20-year managerial career.
Conte's most recent Premier League stint, at Tottenham Hotspur between November 2, 2021 and March 26, 2023, unraveled spectacularly when he branded his own players "selfish" in an explosive reaction to a poor result against Southampton, who were bottom of the table at the time.
"We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players. I see players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart [into it]," he said at the time.
"The most important thing if you want to become a strong team, if you want to become competitive, if you want to fight to win, is the desire, the fire that you need to have in your eyes, in your heart. And you have to show this in every moment. In every moment.
"To be a team, this the most important thing. To understand that we play for the badge. We have to play to make our fans proud of us. We have to play to show desire."