Kevin De Bruyne still hurt by Antonio Conte’s Manchester City substitution, claims Napoli insider

Kevin De Bruyne remains disappointed by Antonio Conte's decision to substitute him after just 20 minutes during Napoli's Champions League visit to Manchester City last season, according to former Napoli striker Roberto Carlos Sosa.

The Belgian midfielder returned to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving City in the summer of 2025, receiving a warm welcome from supporters who had celebrated his achievements at the club.

However, the reunion ended prematurely when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off for a foul on Erling Haaland.

Conte responded by withdrawing De Bruyne, leaving the former Manchester City star visibly disappointed during what should have been a memorable homecoming.

Speaking to Area Napoli, Sosa suggested the substitution reflected a wider disagreement between De Bruyne and Conte over Napoli's playing style.

Sosa said he had spoken with the midfielder during the club's centenary celebrations.

“Kevin, who is a great guy, told me: ‘I like playing football, I like calcio…’”

Sosa interpreted those comments as evidence that De Bruyne preferred a different tactical approach.

“It's not a question of a spark with the environment, but rather with Conte's system,” he explained.

“Last year, the spark with Conte never ignited; they never really clicked.”

Sosa believes De Bruyne was particularly affected by the decision to remove him so early against his former club.

“De Bruyne is still getting over that disappointment in Manchester, where Conte decided to substitute him after just 20 minutes when Napoli were reduced to ten men,” he said.

“It isn't fair to the fans. But I feel compelled to defend Kevin, because he is a special player.”

Sosa also suggested Conte's management style prevented De Bruyne from occupying the influential role he had expected when joining Napoli.

Those assessments represent Sosa's interpretation of the situation rather than a direct public criticism of Conte from De Bruyne himself.

Despite suggestions that the midfielder has struggled to settle in Italy, Sosa rejected claims that De Bruyne is unhappy with life in Naples.

“De Bruyne has no issues with the city; he is happy in Naples—otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed,” he said.

According to Sosa, the difficulties were primarily tactical and personal rather than connected to the club or its supporters.

His account suggests De Bruyne's disappointment with Conte has lingered, even though the midfielder remains committed to life at Napoli.

De Bruyne will look to move beyond the difficulties of last season and establish himself as a key figure at Napoli. Sosa's comments offer insight into his reported frustrations, although De Bruyne has not publicly confirmed that he remains angry about the Etihad substitution.