Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his value to Napoli with a commanding performance in their Champions League triumph over Sporting Lisbon, while also addressing rumors of discord with manager Antonio Conte.
The Belgian midfielder, who had previously shown frustration when substituted against Milan, responded emphatically on Wednesday evening. De Bruyne provided two assists for Rasmus Hojlund`s goals, propelling Napoli to a 2-1 victory against the Portuguese side.
De Bruyne`s first assist was a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Hojlund to calmly finish past Sporting`s goalkeeper. The second came from a precise corner kick, which Hojlund headed home from close range.
De Bruyne Clarifies Relationship with Conte
“There has never been any issue with Conte,” De Bruyne stated in a post-match interview. “I`m a competitor who wants to play and make an impact. Despite the rumors, my focus is on enjoying football and moving forward.”
The midfielder also discussed his role in Conte`s tactical setup, which saw him deployed centrally while Scott McTominay played wider. “Initially, I played similarly at Manchester City, often dropping deeper. These are coaching decisions, but I believe we have the flexibility to interchange positions among the four of us. Without a traditional left winger, creating depth can be challenging at times.”
De Bruyne joined Napoli in a high-profile move this summer after his contract with Manchester City expired. The Premier League star`s arrival in Naples was met with great excitement, and he has lived up to expectations so far this season under Conte`s guidance.