Guardiola impressed by ‘extraordinary’ Napoli defending, hails De Bruyne impact | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola was impressed with the ‘extraordinary’ defensive performance of 10-man Napoli, while it would’ve been ‘impossible’ for Manchester City to win without Kevin De Bruyne in recent years.

The Champions League opener at the Etihad barely even got going for the Partenopei, as after 21 minutes they were reduced to 10 men over a Giovanni Di Lorenzo mistimed tackle on Erling Haaland.

After holding out for 56 minutes under constant pressure, the dam broke with a Haaland looping header and Jeremy Doku solo run for the 2-0 result.

Guardiola envies Conte defensive knowledge

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, and Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, embrace prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

“Antonio Conte knows many things, and I am not as capable as he is of marshalling such a strong defensive performance down to 10 men,” confessed Guardiola to Sky Sport Italia.

“They stayed concentrated, doubled up the marking, the culture is extraordinary. We didn’t play boring football, we tried to score goals, and it was easier after breaking the deadlock. We are happy for the victory, but there is a long way to go in this competition.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Manchester City 2-0 Napoli

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Haaland has now scored an extraordinary 50 goals in 49 Champions League appearances, so having him there gives Manchester City an undoubted advantage over most teams.

“Having Erling upfront does give us a lot of confidence. We’ve started the tournament well, I congratulate the lads.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli leaves the pitch after being substituted whilst Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, speaks to Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

There was another unfortunate victim of the Di Lorenzo red card, as when Napoli went down to 10 men, they balanced the team by taking De Bruyne off and introducing full-back Mathias Olivera.

“I hope to see him after this. What Kevin did during these 10 years here, you cannot understand,” said Guardiola.

“To win what we won without him would’ve been impossible. You saw the love the fans have for him today, it’s a pity he didn’t get to play more, but he got to feel that affection from the crowd.”