Antonio Conte turns down a huge offer to return to coaching

In recent weeks, Antonio Conte’s name has begun to weigh heavily on Luciano Spalletti and Ruben Amorim, both of whom have come under scrutiny following Juventus and Milan’s recent performances. The Salento-born coach is perhaps the most illustrious and decorated manager currently without a team in the world, and comparisons with the top clubs are inevitable: seeing him in the stands during the Milan-Benfica match has only fueled these rumors.

The rumors have also been fueled by the Lecce-born coach’s recent decision to turn down a massive offer from the Saudi Pro League. According to Fabrizio Romano, Conte turned down a massive offer from Al-Ahli because he prefers to stay in Europe and wait for his chance in top-tier soccer. His refusal of Fenerbahçe follows the same logic: Conte is aiming for a top European club.

On the eve of the Europa League match against NEC, Spalletti commented on the rumors about Conte: “Nostalgia for Conte? It’s only right that everyone believes in what they want, in what they feel is right to believe in. Is there peace of mind? In what sense is there peace of mind? For what reason? From my perspective, pressure is the medicine for learning to live; I learned that after a few years, because I had to bring home the bacon—we were in a difficult situation like so many other families.”

After the match against Benfica, Amorim commented on the Rossoneri’s situation and the pressure he’s beginning to feel: “Obviously, I’m always worried: even if it’s just a game we didn’t win, or one we won while playing poorly, I’m always worried. Now what we need to do is understand that this is soccer, that we’re at the beginning of a journey, and that we have to work to win games. We already know the pressure that comes with these clubs, so for me it’s nothing new—I think it’s normal. Now, of course, we have to do better, and we have to win the very next game.”