ANTONIO CONTE’S Napoli future was plunged into doubt when he launched one of his trademark rants last weekend.
And the combustible boss raised further eyebrows when it was announced that he would not take training until next Monday.
Antonio Conte was left frustrated by Napoli’s defeat at Bologna last weekendCredit: Getty
Conte’s long-time No2 Cristian Stellini, who briefly took over as caretaker manager following his pal’s departure, will lead sessions in the meantime.
Confirming the news, Napoli wrote: “Mister , as already planned and agreed for some time with the club, will return to SSC Napoli Training Center on Monday November 17.”
Conte led Napoli to the title last season, with superb performances by the likes of and helping them pip to glory.
This term, however, the former and Spurs boss has been in a gloomier mood.
Following a 2-0 defeat at Bologna on Saturday, he blasted: “We must do something.
“I don’t want to accompany a dead man; this must be clear. If we want to do something together, it’s fine; otherwise, we all have to take responsibility. I always do it.
“I don’t like what I’m seeing, and eventually I’m the first one to take responsibility. Sometimes it’s easy to hide behind others, but until we have time, we must all take responsibility.
“I don’t see chemistry and a team that wants to go beyond obstacles. I see everyone thinking about their own problems, but if we want to change this trend, we still have time.”
Conte went on to add: “We often think that change can happen overnight.
“What we’ve done shouldn’t be forgotten, but we need to keep working. We need to ask ourselves if we’re doing it the right way and with the same desire for revenge as last season.
“I’m disappointed because I’m not finding the energy in the guys again; it means I’m not doing a good job.”
Amid his rant, Conte did spare from criticism, admitting: “I didn’t mind Hojlund today, perhaps the best player on the pitch.
“He attacked the depth and held his own, but if the performance is judged solely on goals, it becomes relative. We had prepared a few things, we should have supported him more.”
Despite Conte’s irritation, Napoli are just two points off top spot in Serie A.
And club president Aurelio de Laurentiis has rubbished claims that his side’s boss could depart, saying: “I’ve come across this ‘fairytale’ of Conte’s resignation.
“There has always been a special harmony between myself and Conte.
“To the supporters who have read some of this nonsense, I say: I’m proud to have a real man like Antonio Conte by my side, and by the side of Napoli, and by the side of the players.
“He sacrifices every second of his life for his profession, with extreme generosity and dedication.
“This is the biggest guarantee one can give to a club, to the players and to the demanding fans of a club like Napoli.”
Prior to his Chelsea exit, Conte fell out with before firing repeated shots at the club’s board.
In March 2018, he said: “I have great ambition, but I don’t have money to spend for Chelsea.”
He then infamously torched his Tottenham tenure following a 3-3 draw with Southampton in March 2023, before slamming the club’s hierarchy.
Conte grew frustrated during his Chelsea tenureCredit: PA
The Italian torched his Tottenham tenure following a 3-3 draw at SouthamptonCredit: Rex 
