Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfield maestro, has embarked on a new chapter with Serie A champions Napoli after a decade of brilliance at Manchester City. As he settles into life in Naples under the guidance of Antonio Conte, De Bruyne has shared insights into the differences between his former manager, Pep Guardiola, and his current boss, while setting his sights on adding a 25th career trophy to his illustrious collection.
A New Challenge in Serie A
After leaving Manchester City as a free agent in the summer of 2025, De Bruyne, now 34, opted for Napoli over lucrative offers from the MLS and Saudi Arabia. His decision was driven by a desire to continue competing at the highest level, and Napoli’s recent Serie A success under Conte made it an appealing destination. The move reunites De Bruyne with former Premier League stars like Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, as Napoli aim to defend their title and make a mark in the UEFA Champions League.
Difference Between Pep and Conte
Speaking in an in-depth interview with Corriere dello Sport, published on Wednesday morning, De Bruyne outlined the difference between two of this generation’s finest coaches in Guardiola and Conte.
“I’d say that they have two different ways of playing. Pep is probably a little more attentive to ball control and possession, while Conte is a little more structured in the game and focuses a lot on mentality. Pep works more on space,” De Bruyne said.
“There are a couple of different things, but each coach has their own principles and characteristics.
“At the moment, we haven’t focused much on the personal aspects. We’re working for the team. He gives us collective instructions for everyone’s positions. We’ll probably talk about more specific things later.”
Chasing Trophy Number 25
De Bruyne’s move to Napoli is not just about adapting to a new tactical setup; it’s about adding to his remarkable trophy haul. With 24 major honours already to his name—including domestic titles in England, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, plus the 2023 Champions League—De Bruyne is targeting his 25th trophy in the 2025-26 season. Napoli’s Serie A title defence and their Champions League campaign offer realistic opportunities, especially with Conte’s proven track record of delivering silverware.
Conte himself has praised De Bruyne’s arrival as a “huge boost” to a squad already featuring stars like Lukaku and McTominay, the latter named Serie A’s most valuable player last season. De Bruyne’s influence extends beyond the pitch, as he’s reportedly advocated for Napoli to sign his former Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish, hoping to reunite with the England star to bolster Napoli’s attacking options.
