Conte said: “We achieved a very important victory at this stage, but it is not the most important at all. I was worried about this match because Lecce came from a draw with Atalanta and was going through a sensitive period after the disaster that struck them. I want to express my full solidarity with Lecce and its fans, dealing with such tragedies is never easy.”
He added: “We entered the match with a clear goal, to win and send a positive message to everyone around the team. The first half was excellent from our side, but in the second half, caution and the desire to maintain the result took over, and we retreated a bit in terms of offensive initiative.”
He continued: “I was very nervous during the match; I left the field before the end to release the adrenaline. I wasn’t angry, but a 1-0 result is always risky.”
He confirmed: “The team is growing; we have developed a lot compared to the beginning. There is great harmony and cohesion in the group, and this is what we need in the decisive phase.”
Regarding Matias Oliveira, he said: “Oliveira had a great match in an unusual position for him, but he has played in this role with his national team before. I have confidence in him and in the entire group.”
He pointed out: “We are now in a phase that requires great experience; we are suffering from several important absences, and today Lobotka was injured as well. I hope we can recover him quickly.”
He concluded his statements by saying: “We will not back down; everyone who is asked to play delivers a great performance. We realize that every point is important, and we are completely focused until the last round. In the end, no one will remember who came second; history is written in one way only, by victory.”
