Napoli coach Antonio Conte has sought advice from Kevin De Bruyne as his team, which he describes as “students”, prepares to face the “masters” of Manchester City.
Conte, after leading his team to Serie A glory last season, considers them still novices in the Champions League.
Napoli will begin their European campaign against City, champions in 2023, and Conte has turned to De Bruyne for help.
De Bruyne, former City player, joined Napoli in the summer after a successful decade at the Etihad Stadium, where he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
We have always had a very careful preparation for each match, we are not doing anything particularly different, but I have spoken with Kevin. I have asked him some things.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
He has been part of this club for 10 years and has had a great coach like Pep Guardiola.
Antonio Conte, coach of Napoli
Kevin will be excited to play, but I hope that after the initial whistle he finds his rhythm and remembers that he is playing for our great Napoli and contributes as he has been doing.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
Kevin De Bruyne ha tenido un comienzo impresionante en su carrera en el Napoli tras su fichaje procedente del Manchester City.De Bruyne has had a good start in Naples, scoring two goals in his first three Serie A appearances.
We arrive with great humility after having had an incredible year last year and we are proud of it.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
We consider ourselves almost like students coming to play against the masters. I don’t think it’s wrong to say that.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
For our part, there is definitely a desire to understand and play against these very powerful and important clubs to see how we are progressing.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
Although De Bruyne will surely receive a warm welcome from the local fans, the reception for two other players returning to Manchester could be different.
Midfielder Scott McTominay played a prominent role in last year’s title victory after leaving Manchester United, while striker Rasmus Højlund is on loan from the Old Trafford club.
I saw great potential in this player and my mind wondered why Scott McTominay wasn’t dominant in England. When the possibility of signing him for Napoli arose, honestly, at first I didn’t believe it could happen.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
But it happened and now he is enjoying it. We are very, very happy because we are not only talking about a fantastic player, but a really good man.
Antonio Conte, Napoli coach
Højlund scored on his debut against Fiorentina last weekend.
He has great potential and now it depends on me to improve him and help him grow and become a truly top-level striker.
