Gilmour and McTominay Discuss Their Experience Under Coach Conte’s Demanding Leadership

Billy Gilmour (left) and Scott McTominay have found success at Napoli. It is afternoon at the Napoli Training Centre in Castel Volturno, a small town located 45 minutes north of Naples along the coast. Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay appear visibly fatigued, which is understandable. They have just concluded another strenuous dual training session under an unusually warm winter sun in Naples. Coach Antonio Conte is a rigorous coach, but their diligence is yielding results. After transferring from the Premier League to Serie A at the end of August, Gilmour and McTominay have significantly contributed to their new club’s developing title pursuit, with Napoli occupying second place in the league, trailing Atalanta by two points. The Scottish pair are receiving Italian language instruction weekly, with the goal of achieving semi-fluency by the season’s end. But what is their experience like under Conte? “The manager has been great. He is very, very demanding,” says McTominay. “He has a clear structure and ideas in his head of how he wants his team to play. But he’s also not as ruthless as people think.” “There’s a good side to him. You can have a conversation with him. When it comes to training and working, it’s business. We’re there to work and to win and we all share that same ambition.” Gilmour was part of Chelsea’s youth system when Conte was coach at Stamford Bridge. He expresses uncertainty about whether the Italian recalls him from that period, but their paths have definitively crossed since. “He’s a serious manager,” says Gilmour. “But I think he is pretty straightforward. It’s easy to understand. You go and put it onto the pitch and if there is a problem he is going to tell you.” Napoli’s overall situation has improved generally under Conte. Following their Scudetto win in 2023, the club concluded the subsequent season in 10th position. Currently, they possess a team contending for the title. The rivalry for team spots is intense. Gilmour has commenced strongly, with 12 appearances. However, McTominay’s contribution after his arrival from Manchester United has been remarkably impactful. He has scored four goals in 14 appearances, with his most recent goal coming during a 1-0 away triumph at Torino. The energetic performance shown by the 27-year-old has established him as a beloved figure among supporters, and Italian pundits are astonished that United permitted his departure. His name is frequently seen emblazoned on counterfeit Napoli jerseys sold in the city’s backstreets. Unavoidably, discussions about the title are circulating, but McTominay disregards such conversations. “It’s not important at this moment,” he says. “We will see where we are come the end of the season.” His initial goal scored against prospective title contenders Inter Milan in the 1-1 draw at San Siro in November emphasized his prominent standing. But McTominay is evidently not one to be swayed by excessive publicity. He is the most sought-after player in Naples right now, but he also maintains perspective. Even a Serie A triumph would only render him a minor deity when contrasted with the late, great Diego Maradona. The Argentine’s legacy is profoundly felt in Naples. The stadium was renamed to commemorate him. His likeness is ubiquitous. This is a fan base that desires the esteem associated with the Serie A triumphs Maradona largely secured in the mid-to-late 1980s. His enduring influence over this city is recognized by the two Scottish players. “We know how much he is appreciated here and how much the people love him,” says Gilmour. “Nobody can get near Maradona in terms of his legacy and how much of an icon he is in the game,” adds McTominay. “For us it’s all about respect.” Gilmour and McTominay have adapted smoothly to their transfers. The team has commenced the season strongly, and both feel satisfied with their decision. “You want to push yourself, you want to see how far you can go,” says Gilmour. The move marks a significant progression in his career for the 23-year-old. After departing Rangers for Chelsea as a youngster and winning a Champions League medal, a loan move to Norwich City followed, which encountered considerable difficulties. More favorable periods ensued at Brighton before the transfer to Serie A. “Brighton were great with me when I was there kind of rebuilding myself,” he adds. “I got my confidence back. When I was leaving, it’s never easy. But you know you’re doing the right thing, you have to look after yourself in football.” Regarding his own experience, McTominay acknowledges the challenge of departing his childhood club, United, but stated he needed to “look out for number one.” “It was a big decision, but in some ways it was quite straightforward,” he said. “I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity.” “It didn’t take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I’ll never have any regrets in my life. I didn’t look back. “I love this place. I love the fans, I love my team-mates. It has been a pleasure to be with Billy every day rather than just seeing him at Scotland and we have helped each other a lot.” The year 2025 holds significant prospects for both Gilmour and McTominay. Anticipating promise, hope, and diligent effort. Their routine involves eating, sleeping, training, and repeating. The arduous journey towards achievement persists under the constant supervision of Mr. Conte.