Gutierrez: Napoli is unique, football feels different here | OneFootball

The Spanish defender Miguel Gutierrez, who arrived at Napoli in the summer of 2025 from Girona, gave an interview to the newspaper Il Roma in which he spoke about his impact with the city, the Azzurri group, and the emotions he has felt since day one.

Napoli, Gutierrez: “Naples is unique in the world. Here football is experienced differently”

“I knew I was joining the Italian champions. I was aware that I was representing a club of great value, and that immediately gave me huge motivation. I was also fascinated by the chance to play alongside top-level players. For me, Naples is unique in the world, a different stage in my footballing life. I wanted to experience new and intense emotions, and here football is truly lived in a special way, unlike anywhere else.”

“Adapting wasn’t easy, but I’m growing a lot”

Gutierrez then described the process of adapting to Napoli’s working methods:

“It wasn’t easy to adapt at first, because I came from different training concepts. But after just a month I already feel hugely improved: I’m quicker, physically stronger, and more aware. It’s a continuous growth path. Here you immediately understand that the fans live for the team. You feel it even when the bus approaches the stadium: their enthusiasm gives you strength and motivation. I felt the warmth of the city right away.”

“De Bruyne? An example for everyone”

Among the topics discussed was his relationship with Kevin De Bruyne, the star of Antonio Conte’s new Napoli:

“De Bruyne is a champion on and off the pitch. He works with humility and dedication, always at the service of the team and the coach. His attitude is impeccable; he sets an example every day. I didn’t expect such a united dressing room: here we’re like a family, all very welcoming, even with me being the only Spaniard in the group. I’m really happy to be part of this reality.”

“With Conte I’ll improve a lot: I’m a dynamic, technical full-back”

The young defender finally spoke about his technical characteristics and his relationship with coach Antonio Conte:

“I’m a left-sided player, or as they say in Italy, a full-back. I can also adapt to other roles if the coach deems it necessary. I consider myself a dynamic, technical player who’s intelligent in managing the ball. I’m convinced that with Conte I’ll grow a lot on the defensive side: his way of working is precise and detail-oriented, and that pushes you to improve every day.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.