Overview
- De Bruyne told Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad that he was happy Conte left and that preseason promises about playing an attacking style were not kept, comments published May 30.
- Antonio Conte left Napoli after the season and club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is reported to be preparing to target Massimiliano Allegri as a replacement.
- De Bruyne said Conte's setup was overly defensive, often using a 5-4-1 low block that he argued limited scoring and left the team with a top scorer on just 10 goals.
- The Belgian midfielder played 21 times this season, scored five goals, returned from injury during the campaign, and says he has one year left on his contract but will decide his future only after a meeting with the club about tactics.
- The dispute highlights a likely crossroads for Napoli: the next coach and tactical plan will shape transfer moves, player retention including De Bruyne, and whether the club shifts toward a more open attacking approach.