Buffon ‘couldn’t believe’ what Conte said: ‘Is this really him?’ | OneFootball

Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon’ couldn’t believe’ what Antonio Conte said after the January transfer window: ‘It’s impossible for him just to enjoy the journey. Is this really him?’

Napoli sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG in the January transfer window and only replaced the Georgian ace with Noah Okafor from Milan.

Italian media claimed Conte was unhappy with Napoli’s transfer activity, but the Italian tactician refused to complain over the weekend, urging fans and media to appreciate the Partenopei’s journey this season.

“For me, it’s impossible for him just to enjoy the journey; his goal is always on his mind, and he experiences it like a living hell,” Buffon told La Domenica Sportiva on Sunday, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.

Buffon’ couldn’t believe’ what Conte said: ‘Is this really him?’

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Antonio Conte Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between Napoli and Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“At a time when the press was pressuring him because Kvaratskhelia wasn’t replaced with someone of the same level, he urged everyone to appreciate everything the team has done so far and to enjoy the journey. At that moment, I just started laughing; I put my hands on my face. I couldn’t believe he was saying that. I thought, ‘Is this really him?'”

Napoli remain the Serie A table leaders despite a 1-1 draw against Udinese on Sunday, but they will see Inter move just one point behind them in second place if the Nerazzurri beat Fiorentina this evening.

The Partenopei have earned 55 points from 17 wins, four draws, and three losses. They’ve scored 39 goals and conceded 17.

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Juventus coach Thiago Motta looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Buffon’s former club Juventus, are fighting for the top four and will meet PSV in the Champions League knockout playoff on Tuesday.

“I have trust, both in him and in the team, because now, with all the players available, it’s competitive,” Buffon said.

“However, it won’t be easy, and finishing in the top four or five is not guaranteed. Securing a Champions League spot would be the main objective.”

“Juve is not some separate entity, and I believe it can have the desire to play exciting football, just like any other team,” continued Buffon.

“In Conte’s first year, I was the first goalkeeper in Italy to start the build-up because he never wanted to waste possession.

“We were the first team to build from the back in that way because such demands didn’t exist before that. He introduced something new, breaking away from tradition, and he did it quite well. So, I believe it can also be done with Thiago Motta.”