Italian tactician in fiery mood during pre-season tour.
Juventus boss Antonio Conte has aimed a dig at Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard suggested the Bianconeri have plenty of money.
The 44-year-old was in a fiery mood during his press conference in Palo Alto ahead of Juve’s debut in the International Champions Cup tournament, as he took aim at his rivals ahead of the new season.
While he was largely complimentary of Napoli and new coach Rafa Benitez, insisting that the Spaniard was a great coach and that the club had reinforced well, he also had kind words for both Fiorentina and Roma.
However, while he revealed his belief that history dictates that Juve, Milan and Inter should all be challenging for the Scudetto, he took the opportunity to aim a swipe at the Nerazzurri.
When questioned on whether everything at the club was well, Conte responded: “There was no crisis. We want to grow. Inter won the treble [in 2010] but did not build anything in that season. I am sure that this season we will continue to grow,” as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The conversation was then moved on to transfer dealings, with reporters inquiring as to whether Conte envisaged any more new signings arriving before the start of the season.
While he remained secretive over talks held with the club over potential targets, he hinted that there was little money to be spent, and was upset with those who suggested that the Turin giants are capable of spending big.
When asked whether he was referring to someone in particular, Conte did not want to name names. However, a reporter then asked about Juve in Europe and mentioned that Bayern boss Guardiola had noted that the Bianconeri have money to compete.
“Guardiola is stuck in his time at Brescia. Indeed, he has gone to a club that has little money, no? It is better that people just look into their own homes,” he retorted.
Conte remains in bullish mood ahead of the new campaign, and it would appear that he is fully focused on leading the club to a third consecutive league title as well as competing in Europe.
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