Conte's Comeback: Diego Costa's Digs Meet a Cool Reply Ahead of Napoli vs Chelsea

Context

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has finally answered Diego Costa's sharp criticisms. The two enjoyed success in west London, with Costa helping Conte win Chelsea's Premier League title in 2016-17. Their relationship later deteriorated after a public dispute that led Costa to leave for Atletico Madrid in January 2018.

Ahead of Napoli vs Chelsea

In the buildup to a Champions League clash, Costa accused Conte of always being angry and distrustful, calling him a bitter man who never trusts his players or the people around him.

Costa said, He is someone who doesn't trust others. He thinks he knows everything; you don't enjoy training with him, he's always angry, always with a frowning face. Players wanted to return, but no one liked him, and that’s why he didn’t last long. The past is the past.

Conte had remained silent for days, but finally commented on the remarks. Before Napoli’s match against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, Conte said: Honestly, I’m not the type to waste energy reading what people say in newspapers. He added that football is full of smart and foolish people, so he doesn’t waste time on their opinions.

He continued: Diego Costa played with me for one season, so I can talk about football. I think we won the league together, and he wanted to leave three times that season. After Chelsea, I don’t know what happened to him.

Light note

In football as in life, some managers seem to manage moods more often than matches. If Conte’s eyebrows were a formation, they’d be a dynamic 3-5-2—defensive, decisive, and always ready for a stare-down. Costa’s quotes are entertaining, but remember: press conferences don’t win trophies—on the pitch, Napoli will try to prove it.

Punchline 1: If Conte’s mood were a formation, it would be a 3-5-2—tactical, moody, and always ready for a stare-down.

Punchline 2: Costa talks the talk, but football still runs on goals—let's see who scores first in the Champions League.