Belgian midfielder Kevin DeBruyne continues to show signs of discomfort in the Neapolitan team, this time under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri. The tension arose last year with Antonio Conte, when the player publicly expressed his discontent with the way in which the manager's tactics had evolved, defining the 5‑4‑1 as "not ideal". Now, after the move to Allegri, the frustrations seem not to have diminished.
In May, DeBruyne commented on Conte's exit frankly: "I'm happy that Conte is leaving Napoli, he didn't need to stay. Our style of play is too defensive. If we only score one goal per game with a 5‑4‑1, it's not much. His vision of football is very different from mine and I can't play in my usual role." These words have fueled speculation that the player no longer feels comfortable in the team.
During the match against Villarreal, Allegri tried to move DeBruyne to a lower position, asking him to "play a little lower". The midfielder responded with a feign of indifference, continuing to play according to his style. The irritated coach expressed his frustration during the break, but took no immediate action. The situation has brought out a new point of tension between the player and the management.
Despite the problems with the two most successful Italian coaches, DeBruyne is not the only one struggling to find a balance. The coach asked the players to "row on the same side", but the season has just begun and the team risks suffering a drop in performance if the differences are not resolved. The club has expressed the need to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved, preventing conflicts from turning into an obstacle for the team.
For now, DeBruyne remains on the field, but his position remains uncertain. Napoli will have to manage the situation carefully, as the season is crucial for the club's standings and reputation. Coach Allegri will have to find a way to integrate the Belgian's talent without compromising the cohesion of the group, while DeBruyne will have to demonstrate that he can adapt to the coach's requests to safeguard his career in Naples.