Noa Lang ‘can’t wait’ to return to Napoli from Galatasaray after Conte departure | OneFootball

Noa Lang’s father says that his son ‘can’t wait’ to get back to work with Napoli following the departure of head coach Antonio Conte, with whom the Netherlands international never really clicked.

Lang was one of many players that Napoli signed during the last summer transfer window ahead of their return to Champions League action in 2025-26. He was brought in for a fee of €25m plus up to €3m in bonuses from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

He made 18 Serie A appearances during the first half of the season, but was only named in the starting XI on seven occasions. The lack of opportunities and a lack of understanding with Conte led to his joining Galatasaray on loan during the January transfer window.

Lang admitted soon after that he did not get on well with Conte during their first few months together: “How can I explain it simply? I didn’t get along with the coach,” he said, bluntly.

“Let’s leave it at that. I know that in the Netherlands people often think it’s my fault, but one day everything will be clear. For now, I have a lot of respect for the club I’m under contract with. I have a good relationship with almost everyone at the club.”

Galatasaray’s deal for Lang included a non-mandatory option to buy, but they are not expected to activate that option during the summer transfer window.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Noa Lang of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates after the team’s victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

This means that Lang will return to Napoli after the World Cup, and he will find Massimiliano Allegri in charge this time, rather than Conte.

Noa Lang father comments on Napoli return: ‘He can’t wait’

Lang’s father, Jeffrey, says that his son ‘can’t wait’ to get back to work at the Stadio Maradona.

“Noa can’t wait,” said Jeffrey Lang in an interview with De Telegraaf from the Netherlands national team training camp. “He wants to succeed there. In the end, your feet have to do the talking, so it’s up to him to prove it.”

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Lang is part of the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup, but even his father says that he expects stiff competition for game time at the tournament.

“As long as Cody (Gakpo) is doing well, Noa will have to wait patiently for his turn, prove himself in training and then take the opportunity when it presents itself.”