Antonio Conte needs to learn some self restraint

By tdf, May 17, 2014

I am inclined to believe that Conte’s posturing includes a heavy focus upon been granted greater autonomy at the club, specifically in relation to transfers. I am likely not alone in my perception of Conte’s despair last Summer at the sale of Giaccherini. The little goblin, as I affectionately nicknamed him a few years back was clearly not sold at the request of Conte. His departure cemented our admittedly loose 3-5-2 formation, for with Pepe close to a burial, our options of any quality in the final third on the flanks was instantly culled.

By suggesting Conte should be given more say in the transfer dealings I am not suggesting that he decides fees and wages. Some say in those matters, but the financial aspect is not his job. In our case, the scouts all report to Paratici, who reports to Beppe. Conte’s input is confined to suggesting what type of player he wants and feels the team needs to go forward. Over the course of the season, Paratici and his army of scouts then isolate players of the type requested and start compiling a list. With 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice etc for each role.

I am unsure if these lists are then presented to Conte before we make any interest known to the parties involved in our sights. My understanding is that they are presented to Beppe, who then, in tandem with Paratici, starts analyzing which targets are viable, sounding out the move to agents and clubs. When the transfer window opens, Beppe shows Conte who we can get of the type he wants.

Most deals are put in place long before the Summer. Does Conte have the final say on whether we sign them or not?? Whether we sell a player or not, if an offer has come in?? To some degree, I assume he is involved, but only with our biggest players will he presently have any real sway. Look at the odd Zielger story…That one backfired for Beppe and the player for he wasn’t even given a single game for us before been shipped out. That move, I assume, was down to Conte. To this day I remain uncertain of what happened there. My conclusion is that Conte had a personal dislike of the player…which makes me chuckle. I conclude such a thing because we had him for free and Conte seriously preferred De Ceglie as a left flank squad member. Which is astonishing given the hapless nature of poor Paolino…Absolute nonsense.

This continental model has appeared in the premiership over the last few years. The power of transfer directors has dramatically increased, especially in the upper reaches of the league. It has caused a fair few problems. De Fanti appeared to have total control over Sunderland’s signings…I remember reading of Di Canio’s criticism of this and then Poyet’s firm stance on the matter in which he demanded autonomy in the future.

It is an interesting issue. Yet I have to compliment Beppe on the talent he has brought to the squad.

In terms of this idea that the present squad is not good enough for Europe, I see Conte projecting. Our GK, starting central midfield, right wing-back, at least 2 of the 3 first choice centre-backs and both Tevez and Llorente would all find playing time at even the elite clubs. Many of them would be starters. Looking at it that way, it seems more Conte who is presently not good enough for Europe. Tactically speaking.

This squad has not been taken as far as it can go. We do not need a major overhaul to compete with the very best. Atletico Madrid haven’t fared too poorly this season…An anomaly perhaps, yet Simeone has proven that you do not need to spend hundreds of millions to compete with TWO of the worlds greatest clubs domestically. He has also proven exceptional in Europe.

We do not require huge investment. Just careful investment in key areas. The only weak-points of our team are in the final third on the flanks and composure in defence. Yes, our attack could be better in terms of depth and versatility, yet we do have Berardi if we want him (Sassuolo or Juve B will not stand in our way). Was the money spent on Ogbonna last Summer really necessary?? I would have been happier seeing Sorensen come home. His season at Bologna has been one of woe.

We have Fausto Rossi we could bring to the ranks for depth in central midfield. Berardi to add versatility to the front line. Sorensen or Rugani to add to the defence. Leaving us able to pour our resources into adding quality in the wide areas.

The manner in which Conte has voiced his feelings I have found bothersome and disrespectful to the club he expresses such deep devotion towards. It is not solely the team which needs to improve in Europe, it is Conte himself, and I have not heard him allude to this even once.

His three league titles are a phenomenal achievement. Yet I remain convinced that the only club who would be willing to take a risk on him is Monaco. He is nowhere near ready for Barca. Man U are going with proven quality at all levels, with Van Gaal. Where could he go?? Is one question. More importantly for me is Why would he go?? For me he would be, as my english brethren would say, ‘bottling it’. (Which means someone backing out of a pressured situation to succeed.)

For me, there is no comparison, other than in natural talent with man management, between Ferguson and Conte.

“But if you ask me if it’s possible to do this with Juventus, I would say no.”

What does that say to the present squad other than ‘you are not good enough to battle for the top prizes?’. What do such comments do to the share price of the club? If I was not accustomed to Conte’s character and form for making statements drenched with passion and openness of feeling, but bereft of dignity, I would be condemning him in a vicious way and wishing him gone.

From celebrations of a wonderful achievement he has single-handedly soured the moment, turned the focus solely onto his own ambition and appraisal of the club’s prospects in Europe.

I would prefer for him to keep his mouth shut, remain at the club, honour his own contract in the least (until 2015) and admit to himself that he has been at fault this season. If his contract was finishing this Summer, his comments could be tempered somewhat, though still feel hurtful to the club and italian football as a whole. Some people are commending him for his honesty, but honesty is a funny thing. Without employing an element of tact and decorum it can prove harmful.

Some of his words have indicated that he would be willing to stay if we created a new and exciting project geared towards winning the champions league.

I think I am done now with the Conte drama. At least for a week or so…who knows what the egomaniac will come out with after our final fixture of the league campaign on Sunday.

We should all be rejoicing at our triumph and prospects for the future, not filled with anxiety born of Conte’s contrariness.

Truly, I believe that Conte needs Juve, more than Juve need Conte.