McTominay on unforgettable Napoli moments, Conte’s influence and title hopes | OneFootball

Napoli star Scott McTominay feels he and Antonio Conte have ‘exactly the same approach’ and explains how Giovanni Manna convinced him to join the Partenopei from Manchester United.

McTominay spoke about his first season at Napoli in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Scotland international joined the Partenopei from Manchester United in a €30.5m deal last summer.

“I heard about it [Napoli’s interest] during the Euros, and there was an immediate attraction,” McTominay said.

“I wanted to make sure it was the right decision at the right time. The sporting director, Giovanni Manna, had a huge influence on me and helped me. He came to my house in Manchester, and we had a pleasant conversation. He explained the culture and the club’s history. I am happy here, and I want to keep giving my all on the pitch.”

McTominay scored his first Napoli goal with his first touch at the Stadio Maradona.

“It was a meaningful moment because I wanted to join Napoli so badly,” he admitted.

McTominay on unforgettable Napoli moments, Conte’s influence and title hopes

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Scott Mctominay of Napoli competes for the ball with Denzel Dumfries of Inter during the Serie A match between Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“There were expectations and the club had invested a lot of money. I want to be a player who gives his all in every situation. Honestly, those first seconds at the Maradona blew me away. I’ll never forget them.”

McTominay was warmly welcomed by Napoli fans, something he and his family didn’t expect.

“Not at all. When I got off the plane with my mum behind me, she had no idea the fans were so passionate,” the midfielder said.

“We knew about the bond with the team, but we couldn’t believe our eyes. It’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Fans are showing all their love for McTominay also off the pitch.

“Once I walked into a store with a lot of people. Over 500 were waiting outside, and my girlfriend and I couldn’t believe it,” the Scotsman recalled.

“Every time they see me, they want to take a photo, and it’s incredible. I want to repay them for the amazing love.”

The 28-year-old has six goals and four assists in 27 Serie A matches but believes he can still improve.

“I strongly believe I can give more than I’ve shown,” he admitted.

“I was disappointed in some games because I could have scored more goals. I can grow and take a further step forward. The important thing is to keep working to reach my peak.”

Napoli coach Conte is also having a big influence.

“He gives great confidence to the players. I respect and admire him, not just on the field as a coach, but also for how he lives his life,” said McT.

“He’s impressive, I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s precise and meticulous. I think people on the outside don’t realise how exceptional he is. He always wants to win.”

NAPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 30: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 30, 2025 in Napoli, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Are Conte’s training sessions really so tough?

“Very tough, also mentally, but in football and life, you don’t achieve anything without hard work,” said the Napoli star.

“I come from a working-class family, and hard work is the foundation of my values. I give my best every time I play because this is how I was raised. Conte has exactly the same approach. He brings the best out of everyone. You don’t win four domestic titles by chance. There’s a reason behind his success.”

Napoli are just three points below table leaders Inter. They have won just two games in the last nine, but can they still aim to win the title?

“Of course I do. We must think we can win every game. We’ve worked hard to be here now and I believe something spectacular can still happen,” McTominay argued.

“We must not panic. We must realise what we are doing and try to get the most out of our position. We should not have regrets and walk with our heads held high. We’ve worked hard and we can finish strongly.”

Another incredible moment was the team’s reception after an away 3-2 win against Atalanta in January.

“It was incredible, I’d never seen anything like that in my life. It shows how much the fans care about the team. It’s important to repay them for all they give us,” McTominay concluded.