De Bruyne: Conte demands the best, Napoli was a family decision | OneFootball

Kevin was already decisive in Serie A, scoring the second goal with which Napoli beat Sassuolo in their league debut. The Belgian: "Modric and I can bring something different. Conte is different from Guardiola, here's how"

Napoli, De Bruyne: "Conte demands the maximum. Napoli? A choice shared with my family"

Kevin De Bruyne, the new star of the blue midfield, told his story in an interview with Corriere della Sera, signed by Monica Scozzafava. The Belgian talked about his choice to move to Napoli, his relationship with Antonio Conte, the seasonal ambitions, and his life off the field.

"Napoli was the best option, I chose with my children"

"Napoli was not the only offer, but certainly the best. They play in the Champions League, are Italian champions, and have Conte, a magnificent coach. When you're young, you only think about yourself, but today I also asked my children: the oldest is 10 years old and is in an important phase of growth."

The former Manchester City player explained how, despite the many proposals received, the choice was guided by sporting and family factors: "I will always feel like a City player, but it was the right time for a new challenge."

"With Conte, if you don't work for the team, you're out"

About the Napoli coach, De Bruyne has no doubts: "Conte is different from Guardiola, both in terms of technique and method. He knows how to build a compact team, like a single block. He demands a lot from the group, and if you don't work for the team, you're out. He makes clear requests: the more you play with him, the more you understand what it takes to stay at a high level."

The Belgian also highlights the impact the coach has had on the locker room atmosphere: "Here everyone knows they have to give their best, otherwise someone else will take their place. This increases intensity and competitiveness." Some have criticized his purchase, like that of Modric, due to age, the 34-year-old replies: "I think I'm similar to 10 years ago, when you're young you're more dynamic, but now I have more experience. Luka is no longer young, nor am I, but we can bring something different: he can convey what he learned in Spain or England, and I can do the same with the Premier League philosophy."

Scudetto or Champions? "I've never won a league title"

About the seasonal ambitions, De Bruyne doesn't take a stance but leaves a hint of preference: "I've had the fortune of winning the Champions League, but I've never won a league title. It would be nice to conquer the Italian title for the first time."

"Becoming rich changes you, but educating your children remains a priority"

The former City player also told about the more personal side of his life: "I grew up in a normal family: my mom was a housewife, my dad worked in a factory. At 14, I left home to chase my dream. Today, my dad works with me, he helps me with investments."

About the changes brought by wealth: "It would be hypocritical to say that it doesn't change your life. It changes the context around you too. My wife is often alone with three children, it's not simple. I try to educate them in the right way, even if they don't understand yet the difference with the life my wife and I had when we were young. One day they will have to understand it."

Clear goals: "I want to have fun and win"

He concludes with a simple but ambitious goal: "I want to be the best player possible, have fun, and win. I don't like losing."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.