Napoli hero De Bruyne: ‘No problem with Conte, I just want to enjoy football’ | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne was quick to dismiss speculation of a rift with Antonio Conte after Napoli’s Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon.

The Belgian midfielder had reacted angrily when substituted against Milan, sparking talk of tension with his coach.

However, the former Manchester City man bounced back with an emphatic statement on Wednesday evening, assisting both of Rasmus Hojlund’s goals in the 2-1 win over Portuguese side Sporting.

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

His first assist was a lovely weighted pass that saw Danish forward Hojlund calmly slot the ball past Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva. The second was an excellent corner that Hojlund rose to meet and head into the net from close range.

De Bruyne: ‘No problem’ with Conte at Napoli

“With Conte there has never been any problem,” he told Sky Sport, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport.

“I am a winner, I want to play football and make the difference. A lot has been said and written, but I just want to enjoy myself and move forward.”

De Bruyne also explained his role in Conte’s system, which saw him deployed centrally while Scott McTominay moved wider.

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“At the start I played in a similar way at City, often dropping deeper. These are the coach’s decisions but I think we can switch positions between the four of us. Without a real left winger, sometimes it is difficult to find depth.”

De Bruyne joined Napoli in a sensational move this summer after his contract with Pep Guardiola’s side expired. The Premier League legend arrived in Naples to much fanfare and has been excellent so far for Conte’s team this season.