Conflict between Kevin De Bruyne and Antonio Conte: Napoli director clarifies the situation

Giovanni Manna, the sporting director of Italian club Napoli, has officially addressed the tension between team midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and former coach Antonio Conte. The Belgian playmaker's critical remarks regarding the coach's tactics and style have caused a major stir in the Italian football community. This situation comes at a time when the player's future in Naples is being questioned. This is reported by Goal.com reports .

According to reports, Kevin De Bruyne was dissatisfied with the defensive schemes employed by Antonio Conte during his debut season in Serie A. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the player did not hide the fact that his views were completely different from the coach's. "Conte sees football differently than I do, there is no need to hide that. We played very defensively, and scoring one goal per game with a 5-4-1 formation is not ideal," the midfielder emphasized.

As reported by Goal.com, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna, while slightly offended by the player's comments, stated that the situation is under control. During a press conference, Manna noted that he does not approve of the Belgian star's words, but that it will not affect his position in the team. According to him, Kevin De Bruyne has a valid contract with the club and must begin training under the newly appointed coach Massimiliano Allegri.

New coach and future plans

Napoli management has no intention of parting ways with Kevin De Bruyne. Answering questions about the player's future, Giovanni Manna emphasized that he is an important part of the new project. "Kevin does not decide whether to stay or leave. He is part of the club's project and, like all other players, will be at the disposal of the new coach," said the sporting director.

Club officials acknowledge that the Belgian player did not show his best performance last season, but they attribute this more to the tactical style. With the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, the team's playing style is expected to change, which should allow Kevin De Bruyne to fully demonstrate his potential. For now, the player has not yet spoken personally with the new coach.

Furthermore, Napoli management also clarified its position regarding other leaders in the squad. Specifically, the status of striker Romelu Lukaku will be reviewed after he returns from vacation. As for midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, the club's doors are closed — he has been included in the list of non-transferable players. Thus, the Neapolitan club aims to retain its leaders ahead of the new season and return to the title race under the leadership of Massimiliano Allegri.