Conte admits Napoli win was impossible after red card | OneFootball

Napoli manager Antonio Conte accepted that a win was out of reach after his team were reduced to ten men against Manchester City.

The Italian side opened their Champions League campaign at the Etihad Stadium, facing Pep Guardiola’s defending champions in a tough test.

Within twenty minutes, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was dismissed for a challenge on Erling Haaland, leaving Napoli at a huge disadvantage.

Haaland later broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a close-range finish, before Jeremy Doku sealed victory with City’s second goal.

Conte admitted afterwards that playing against City with a full squad is already tough, but going a man down left them with no chance.

Conte on Napoli’s defensive effort

Speaking to TNT Sport after the match, Conte said, “It is already difficult to play against Manchester City, 11 vs 11. After 20 minutes it was impossible.”

He praised his players’ work without the ball, but admitted both goals conceded could have been defended better. The coach felt the game would have taken a different shape if his side had stayed level in numbers.

“Defensively we were really good and the two goals I think that we can do much better, but I do not have anything to tell to my players because the commitment, the attitude was good. If we continued 11 vs 11 we could see another game in my opinion.”

Conte also addressed the red card decision. “Honestly, I did not see the situation. The game was ruined with the red card but I do not know if he is right. The referee made this decision and we have to accept it.”

De Bruyne’s reunion cut short

The game marked Kevin De Bruyne’s first meeting with City since leaving for Napoli in the summer. However, Conte was forced to substitute the Belgian midfielder early to adjust after the sending off.

“It was the only substitution that I could do. I was really sorry for him because it was the game against his old team but I think Kevin understood it very well.”

Napoli will now shift focus to domestic duties, preparing to face Pisa as they continue their Serie A title defence.