Antonio Conte has aimed a sharp dig at Ruben Amorim, calling the former Manchester United head coach “arrogant” over the way he handled Rasmus Hojlund during his time at Old Trafford.
The Napoli boss was asked about Hojlund after the striker’s move to Italy and made it clear he did not agree with how the Dane was used in England. Conte said Amorim’s approach was “arrogant”, as he suggested the player was left without the right support and guidance at a key stage of his development.
Conte did not hold back as he discussed the pressure placed on a young forward leading the line for a club of United’s size. He stressed that a striker of Hojlund’s age needs structure around him and coaching that helps build confidence, rather than being expected to carry the team.
The comments also revealed Conte’s frustration with what he views as a wider trend of managers putting their ideas above player development, with his remarks landing as an obvious swipe at Amorim following his sacking by Manchester United.
Hojlund has continued to be a major talking point since leaving the Premier League, and Conte’s words will add to the debate over whether the forward’s time at United helped him progress in the way many expected when he arrived with a big reputation.
