Kevin De Bruyne has publicly criticized his former manager Antonio Conte, casting doubt on his future with Napoli despite the arrival of new coach Massimiliano Allegri. In an interview with Nieuwsblad, De Bruyne expressed frustration with Conte’s tactical approach, stating he “never really got to play in my position” and that Conte’s vision of football differed significantly from his own.
De Bruyne also highlighted Napoli’s conservative style of play under Conte, noting that scoring one goal per game with a 5-4-1 formation felt insufficient. He acknowledged the team’s struggles in attack – their top scorer, Rasmus Hojlund, managed only 12 league goals – and admitted to feeling a lack of enjoyment during his time under Conte’s leadership. The Belgian international stated he was “happy” Conte had departed and that his future at the club hinges on a discussion about the team’s playing style.
Massimiliano Allegri, recently appointed as Napoli’s new manager, now faces the immediate challenge of convincing De Bruyne to remain with the club. Allegri reportedly views De Bruyne as a central figure in his project, potentially deploying him in a similar role to Luka Modrić, whom he successfully integrated into his Milan side. He envisioned the Belgian as the creative hub of the team’s attacking play.
However, De Bruyne’s high wages – €10 million annually plus potential bonuses – present a financial consideration for Napoli, who are aiming to reduce their overall wage bill. De Bruyne had previously turned down more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States, prioritizing a continued role in top-level European football and Champions League competition. Whether Allegri can address De Bruyne’s concerns and convince him to stay remains to be seen, but the situation represents a significant early test for the new manager.
