Conte declares ‘terrible’ January after Kvaratskhelia transfer request | OneFootball

Antonio Conte admitted that he ‘can’t wait’ for the January transfer window to end, a period he has described as ‘terrible’ following the transfer request submitted by star forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the recent departures of Elia Caprile and Michael Folorunsho.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Conte confirmed that Kvaratskhelia has requested to be sold.

Click here to read everything Conte said about Kvaratskhelia’s transfer request.

The Partenopei boss went on to explain why he feels the January transfer window has been ‘terribile’, pointing to a number of players who already ‘had their bags packed’.

Conte: ‘This month has been terrible’ for Napoli

“I’ve already said it, this month has been terrible for us. Lots of players already had their bags packed and keeping them is never easy. We can’t let ourselves be distracted by anything or anyone. I have faith in this squad,” Conte said, reported via TMW.

UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Antonio Conte head coach of Napoli during the Serie A match between Udinese and Napoli at Stadio Friuli on December 14, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Napoli have had a relatively busy January transfer window already. Elia Caprile has moved to Cagliari in a deal that saw Simone Scuffet move in the opposite direction.

Michael Folorunsho has joined Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy, while Luis Hasa became the club’s second addition of the month, joining on a permanent deal from Lecce.

“I’ll take this opportunity to say goodbye to both Caprile and Folorunsho, who asked to leave to play more, and we have found replacements who we feel are up to the task. I wish them the best and thank them for what they have given me.

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No plans to replace Kvaratskhelia yet

“I can’t wait for January to end. It creates problems, but we will have to carry on being as good as we have been so far. A tough match awaits us. Verona have picked up seven points from their last four. They won in Bologna, they scored three against us last time.”

Conte confirmed that Napoli have not yet made any long-term plans to replace Kvaratskhelia.

“It’s something that’s still too fresh. I’m focused on Verona. It’s not the sales or purchases that matter, rather the game. No evaluations have been made because Kvara is still a Napoli player today, we’ll see on the 31st. The situation has been monitored, but it’s right to leave it up to the club and the player.

“I did what I had to do, if anything, I did too much.”