Conte Addresses De Bruyne’s Frustration
Antonio Conte, the head coach of Napoli, is eager to move past Kevin De Bruyne’s visible frustration following his substitution during the recent Serie A match against AC Milan. As Napoli prepares for their upcoming Champions League encounter with Sporting Lisbon, Conte emphasizes the need for his team to find the right cohesion.
Incident During the Match
In a heated moment during the match, De Bruyne expressed his displeasure towards the decision to remove him from the game after he had scored a penalty to narrow the lead, using strong language as he exited towards the locker room. Conte, however, is determined to maintain focus on the team’s collective performance as they aim to bounce back from a defeat against Manchester City in their European opener.
Conte’s Press Conference Remarks
During a press conference, Conte addressed the incident, stating, “I have grasped what needed to be understood, and it has all been clarified. Clear agreements and enduring friendships are essential values in my household.”
He highlighted the interconnectedness of individual and team performance, remarking, “When Kevin plays well, the entire team benefits; when he struggles, we all feel it.”
Challenges Ahead
Conte continued, underscoring the challenge of finding the right dynamics within the squad, particularly as they juggle playing every few days while integrating new players into the mix. “This is our second year, and navigating this complexity is going to require us to be strategic in our choices,” he added.
Injury Concerns
On the injury front, Napoli will be without their captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who is suspended following a red card against City. Also missing the match is Alessandro Buongiorno due to injury. Additionally, both Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola have been training separately as they look to regain full fitness, leaving Conte grappling with a “crisis situation” in his defensive lineup.
Sporting Lisbon’s Performance
In contrast, Sporting Lisbon achieved a convincing 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty in their first Champions League group stage match. Looking ahead, Sporting’s forward Geovany Quenda, who recently recorded his first Champions League goal at just 18 years old and plans to join Chelsea in 2026, expressed optimism about his team’s prospects. He asserted,
“We face Napoli next, and it’s crucial we take it one match at a time. Our ambition is to reach the playoffs.”
