Antonio Conte has addressed speculations linking him with a move to Premier League side Manchester United and Seria A side Juventus.
With Manchester United currently struggling under Michael Carrick, Conte has been tipped to take over at Old Trafford. He has also been linked with a move to Juventus should the Seria A side decide to part ways with Luciano Spalletti.
However, Conte has now moved to dismiss claims that a deal with any new employer is close to being finalised.
The former Napoli manager took to social media to directly address the intensifying speculation surrounding his future.
In a detailed statement shared across his social media platforms, the former Chelsea and Inter manager made it clear that he is in no rush to step back into the dugout.
”My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but at present there are no negotiations at an advanced stage,” reads the statement released by the coach, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time needed to assess how and when to return to management. It will be a measured choice, which I will make when I believe the right conditions are in place.
Antonio Conte during his time as Napoli head coach. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Aside from speculations regarding the club he will join, several reports had suggested that Conte was making significant financial demands and seeking total control over recruitment.
Some outlets claimed his “strong character” was proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations with certain hierarchies. Conte was quick to label these specific details as complete fabrications.
”I have read about alleged financial demands and requests for full powers that I have supposedly already put forward to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations linked to what is described as my ‘strong character’. These are baseless accounts because, as things stand, there are no concrete elements on which to base such assessments,” Conte added.
Conte remains open to the right opportunity but insists on a mutual respect between the coach and the club’s board.
”Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the moment to speak with the club in question and evaluate together the terms of any potential agreement, respecting each other’s needs and the characteristics that define my work as a coach,” the Italian clarified. “Until then, any hypothesis regarding my demands and my professional future remains purely speculative and cannot be regarded as fact.”
Conte is ranked among the best managers to have ever grace the game and it’s still unknown which team he’ll be leading in the next few months.
