After nearly a decade of success in England, Kevin De Bruyne has started a new chapter in his career as a Napoli player. The Belgian midfielder, who joined on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired, has already featured in preseason friendlies under Antonio Conte — and didn’t take long to compare his new coach to one of the most influential managers of his career.

How Do Guardiola and Conte Differ?

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, De Bruyne offered an insightful take on the contrasting styles of both coaches:

“Pep is much more focused on ball control and possession, while Conte is more structured and works heavily on the mental and tactical side of the team.”

He also explained that Guardiola emphasizes positional play and specific zones on the pitch, whereas Conte brings a more defined and direct mindset to his tactical approach.

Why Did He Choose Napoli After Leaving Manchester City?

At 34 years old, De Bruyne opted to continue his career in Serie A after Manchester City chose not to extend his contract. He selected Napoli to reunite with his former teammate Romelu Lukaku and embrace a new challenge in a tactically demanding and competitive league.

Since his arrival, he has featured in three preseason friendlies, already displaying leadership and commitment in his new role.

What Legacy Did He Leave at Manchester City?

Over eight years under Guardiola, De Bruyne was a central figure in one of Manchester City’s golden eras. He won multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2023, and solidified his status as one of the most complete midfielders in world football.