McTominay: ‘Football becoming soft’, Napoli and Conte ‘unlucky’

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has launched a stinging critique of modern officiating, claiming that “football is becoming soft” and that marginal contact now draws automatic cautions that undermine the spirit of the game. Speaking exclusively to Corriere dello Sport, the Scotland international argued that the balance between player safety and competitive intensity has swung too far toward the former, leaving tacklers fearful of routine challenges.

“I wasn’t accustomed to these feelings when I was a kid, when we were taught to tackle fairly and with strength,” McTominay said. “Now, even the slightest of contact can lead to a yellow card. It’s not up to me to draw conclusions, but I feel there’s too much attention and excessive sensitivity.”

The 29-year-old’s comments come amid fresh debate in Italy after Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was sent off for two bookings in the recent Inter-Juventus clash, the second of which many observers felt was triggered by an exaggerated fall from Alessandro Bastoni. McTominay did not reference the incident directly, but his remarks echoed the frustration shared by defenders across Serie A.

Away from the refereeing controversy, McTominay offered a candid assessment of Napoli’s turbulent campaign. The Partenopei sit third in the table but have crashed out of both the Champions League and Coppa Italia while battling a spate of long-term injuries to key personnel. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Zambo Anguissa and David Neres have all spent extended spells on the sidelines, thinning a squad that claimed the Scudetto and Supercup last term.

“In moments of difficulty, with many injuries, it’s difficult for the coach and the staff to find the right balance and the best way to play,” McTominay admitted. “We’ve been unlucky, but that’s no excuse. It’s a serious explanation and must be accepted.”

The former Manchester United man has himself felt the toll of the congested calendar, having featured in virtually every match from December until a tendon problem forced him off in Napoli’s meeting with Genoa two weeks ago. He is targeting a return on Sunday against Atalanta, provided medical staff are satisfied the injury can be managed without risk of relapse.

McTominay reserved special praise for head coach Antonio Conte, describing the Italian as “very strong, passionate and different from anyone else I’ve had in the past.” He added: “The sense of uncertainty he instils; with him, you have to give your best, or you’ve got a problem.”

With Napoli aiming to claw back ground on league leaders Inter and second-placed AC Milan, McTominay insists the squad’s work ethic remains intact despite the setbacks. “We train a lot and work hard. That explains last season’s success. The workload and intensity change, but the players follow the instructions and have to give their best every day.”

Whether Conte’s side can translate that diligence into a late-season surge may depend as much on fortune in the treatment room as on the tactical tweaks on the pitch.