Guardiola ‘not surprised’ by McTominay and ‘unique’ De Bruyne | OneFootball

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is ‘not surprised’ by high-level performances from Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli: ‘When you win, it means every player is always performing to their maximum level.’

Guardiola addressed the media at a press conference on Wednesday on the eve of Manchester City’s Champions League opener against Napoli.

The Partenopei are the defending Serie A champions and have welcomed several ex-Premier League stars in recent years, including McTominay, De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund.

McTominay was the best Serie A Player in 2024-25, contributing to Napoli winning their second Scudetto in three years.

Guardiola not surprised by McTominay

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Sam Beukema of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal with Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli 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)

“No [I’m not surprised], he has really good conditions [in Naples]. It was a team that won the Serie A, and when you win, it means every player is always performing to their maximum level,” Guardiola said via Manchester Evening News.

Guardiola addressed the media alongside Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma, the latest Manchester City summer signing.

“In the last decade, we have always had incredible keepers,” Guardiola said.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“Gigi has been coming for many years, at 26 years old, and of course, he is a top-class keeper.”

Tomorrow’s game between Napoli and Manchester City obviously marks an early reunion between De Bruyne and his former club.

Guardiola’s comments on De Bruyne’s return

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)

The Belgian ace joined Napoli on a free transfer earlier this summer, after the end of his contract with Manchester City at the end of June.

“Of course, it’s nice for him to come back. [I’m excited] to see him after the game,” Guardiola said via Manchester City’s official website.

“Not surprised [on his start in Italy]. He plays at that level, absolutely quick – the players at that level don’t need to adapt.

“[What does he give to Napoli?] His incredible talent, vision, pass, assists and goals in the final third. He’s unique.”