Careca: Napoli can still win Serie A title, no one should doubt Conte

October 25th: In an interview, former Naples forward Careca talked about the current predicament of his old club, head coach Conte, and his views on players such as De Bruyne and McTominay, and looked forward to the upcoming battle with Inter Milan.

Q: On the eve of this game that can be called the league championship battle, what are your expectations for the current team?

Careca: It is not easy in Italy. Even we failed to successfully defend the title after winning it in 1990 and experienced a very complicated season. It is normal to go through difficult times like now, and I think Napoli took this into consideration at the beginning of the season, but two consecutive defeats will not change the team's goals: the team is still at the top of the table and winning the league again is possible. There is absolutely no need to be frustrated, even in Europe.

Q: But did the crushing defeat in the Netherlands change everyone's view of the team?

Careca: No, Naples’ goals this season must also include the Champions League. This team is not the one we saw against PSV...

Q: But this team also doesn't have the champion players of your era.

Kareka: Every era has its own champion. We won titles in Europe, and the UEFA Cup was a competition almost as difficult as the Champions League now, and we had incredible players: I'm not just talking about Diego Maradona, that was too easy. But this Napoli is an interesting project: you can't just look at the short term, you have to look at the long term, otherwise the team won't win two league titles in three years. Come to think of it, that's amazing. This was De Laurentiis' era and he will be remembered as the chairman who brought Napoli back to glory. Fans deserve to dream like they do now, they have the team to make that dream come true, and nothing makes that dream come true more than the European Cup.

Q: Who do you particularly like in this current Naples team?

Careca: De Bruyne has just arrived and is trying to integrate as best as possible: If we even criticize people like the Belgian, it will be over. We are talking about a star, a winner, who always finds his place on the field. The decisive figure remains McTominay, who impressed me with his physicality and ability to get forward: he is a tall and fast midfielder who is unpredictable in the penalty area. He was often the team's true "forward" last season. If McTominay has fully integrated into Conte's system, then over time De Bruyne will be able to do the same.

Q: You mentioned Conte’s system. How will he lead the team out of the current predicament?

Careca: He will succeed through discipline, which is his trademark and the hallmark of the players, who follow him like soldiers. Conte is a true leader. I met him six months ago after Napoli won the Scudetto, we chatted about football and I saw a very determined man, ideal to win more titles. Fans shouldn't doubt him.

Q: Is Conte paying the price for temporarily losing his "totem" Lukaku?

Careca: Lukaku is a key figure, but the club has introduced a very talented player like Hoylen to replace him: Being able to buy Manchester United's striker makes you realize the level of this club. Hoylen also needs time to integrate well, but in my opinion he is progressing well...

Q: However, Hoylen will miss the game against Inter Milan.

Careca: This is a big loss, but Napoli has different solutions, such as Neres or Luca. Conte will find a way to keep the team dangerous no matter what, with McTominay and De Bruyne almost as forwards.

Q: Is Naples playing against Inter Milan also special to you?

Careca: Those years in Napoli were very special, and Inter Milan is a super rival and this game has become special again. In my day it was a really fierce battle and both Bergomi and Ferry were great defenders. This game won't be decisive, but beating such a strong Inter side would be a strong message.

Q: Finally, what do you think of Ancelotti coaching the Brazilian national team?

Careca: A great resume, a great history and a great coach. He has worked with players of different nationalities in many countries and knows the talent in Brazil very well. It's been too long since we've won a World Cup and he's the right person to lead us there.