Mansion Sports – Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has spoken about Kevin De Bruyne's future after the Belgian midfielder publicly criticized the defensive tactics of former head coach Antonio Conte.

Despite growing tension and transfer speculation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Manna emphasized that the veteran midfielder remains under contract and is expected to join preseason preparations under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

De Bruyne's Dispute with Antonio Conte Revealed

De Bruyne endured a difficult first season in Serie A, largely due to differences in football philosophy with his former manager.

In an interview with the Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, the playmaker openly stated that the two held very different views on football.

"Of course it was difficult for me, because Conte has a very different view of football than I do. There is no need to hide that."

He also felt that he was never deployed in his best position by the Italian coach, limiting his influence on the pitch despite insisting that he gave everything throughout the season.

The Belgian international also delivered sharp criticism of Napoli's defensive approach.

"We played very defensively. If you only score one goal in every match with a 5-4-1 formation... That is not very good."

He also pointed out that Napoli's top scorer managed only 10 goals throughout the season.

When asked directly whether he was pleased to see Conte leave the club, De Bruyne responded without hesitation.

"Am I happy that Conte left? For me, yes. As far as I am concerned, he did not need to stay."

Giovanni Manna Responds to De Bruyne's Remarks

Napoli director Giovanni Manna was asked about those comments during a press conference and acknowledged that the club had taken note of them, although he quickly dismissed suggestions that there was an ongoing problem.

"I did not like some of the things he said, but there is no problem."

In comments quoted by Football Italia, Manna stressed that De Bruyne's situation is very clear, regardless of what the player has said publicly.

He reminded everyone that De Bruyne still has two years remaining on his contract, with an option for an additional year, meaning the matter is essentially settled from the club's perspective.

Manna then emphasized that De Bruyne remains part of Napoli's new project under Allegri and rejected the idea that the player has complete control over his own future.

"Kevin does not have to decide whether he stays or leaves; he is part of this project and will place himself under the coach's guidance, just like every other player."

The director acknowledged that De Bruyne performed below his full potential last season but insisted that Napoli still considers him an important investment.

He also added that De Bruyne has not yet spoken with Allegri and is expected to do so once preseason training begins.

Manna Also Discusses Romelu Lukaku and Frank Anguissa

Manna also addressed the situation of Romelu Lukaku, another player whose future at Napoli has become the subject of speculation following his performances for the Belgium national team at the World Cup.

"Lukaku is enjoying his vacation after performing well at the World Cup, so we will see when he returns."

He gave no indication that discussions regarding the striker's future would take place anytime soon.

Regarding Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Manna also spoke firmly and ruled out any possibility of the player being sold this summer.

"Frank Anguissa has a contract with Napoli, so I do not see any need to negotiate with him. He is not for sale."

Those statements effectively ended the speculation surrounding both players and confirmed that, together with De Bruyne, they remain part of Napoli's plans under Allegri.

The Massimiliano Allegri Era Begins Amid Injury Problems

The transition from Antonio Conte to Massimiliano Allegri marks the beginning of a new chapter for Napoli.

However, the club has already suffered a major setback due to the injury sustained by defender Alessandro Buongiorno.

The player underwent surgery for a meniscus problem and is expected to be sidelined for up to three months.

Manna acknowledged that the injury came as a "surprise," but confirmed that Sam Beukema is expected to join the squad during the latter stages of preseason, while the club continues to evaluate its defensive options.

Speaking about Napoli's new head coach, Manna said:

"He is highly motivated and has just come through a season in which, for the first time, he failed to achieve his objectives. We can go far in every competition. Every coach has a different working method; we will wait until the international players begin to return, and then we will evaluate the situation."