Antonio Conte admits he never expected to be left unemployed after quitting Bari, despite links with Juventus, Lazio and Sampdoria.
“More than disappointed, I am surprised. I won the Serie B tournament, earned promotion, played entertaining football and had contacts with many clubs. It’s strange to be left without a job in these conditions.”
The Coach had said he would only leave Bari if his beloved Juventus came calling, but after he split from the Southerners in a row over transfer policy, the Bianconeri gave the bench to Ciro Ferrara.
“I spoke with Ciro, as we have a strong friendship that has not been affected by this controversy,” added Conte in the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport.’
“I am certain he will get excellent results. Ferrara has in his hands a Juve side that can win the Scudetto.”
Juve weren’t the only sides Conte was linked with, as he was also said to be in the running for jobs at Lazio, Sampdoria and Palermo.
“I would sign on the dotted line immediately for a Serie B club that presented an ambitious project to me. I hope to be back in the saddle as soon as possible. I am always the same Conte.
“Bari have everything they need to stay in Serie A and I will always remember the image of 100,000 fans celebrating our promotion.”
In the meantime, the tactician has moved back to Turin and will cast his eye over the current top flight scenario.
“I like the way Udinese and Samp are organised, while I think Genoa will continue to push for the Champions League places. Let’s not forget Fiorentina, as Cesare Prandelli is an extraordinary man and a great Coach.
“Jose Mourinho has character and a formidable CV. He has not made his mark on Italian football yet the way [Marcello] Lippi and [Arrigo] Sacchi did, but this year we will see his real Inter.
“Losing [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is painful for everyone, but [Samuel] Eto’o is a goal machine. I even read Inter are chasing Antonio Cassano, which would be a marriage made in heaven.”
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