De Bruyne: ‘Conte different from Guardiola. If you don’t want work for the team you’re out’

The former Manchester City star described the Italian tactician as a “magnificent” coach and then added: “He is different in technique and method from Guardiola. Conte knows how to build a compact team, like a single unit.

“He demands a lot from the group, and if you don’t work for the team, you are out. His demands are very clear; the more you play with him, the more you understand what it takes to stay at the top level. Everyone knows they have to work hard here and do their job; otherwise, someone else will take their place. This raises the intensity and the overall level.”

Conte: A serial Scudetto winner

Conte won the Serie A title in his first season as Napoli coach in 2024-25.

He has already won five Scudetti as a coach and one Premier League title with Chelsea.

De Bruyne scored on his Serie A debut on Saturday, converting a free-kick against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.

The Partenopei will host Cagliari at the Stadio Maradona in the second Serie A game of the season this coming Saturday.

De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer, signing a contract until 2027.