De Bruyne explains why Allegri differs from Conte at Napoli

Kevin De Bruyne says Massimiliano Allegri places greater importance on personal relationships with players than former Napoli manager Antonio Conte, whom he described as highly strict and focused almost exclusively on professional matters.

The Belgium international discussed his first experiences with Napoli, his relationship with both managers, his future and the possibility of Gabriel Jesus joining the club in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

De Bruyne also revealed that he is closing in on a personal landmark, having scored the 199th goal of his career in Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Genoa on the opening weekend of the Italian league season.

“It would be great to reach it. I have been playing football for 18 years, and it would be nice to get to that number,” he said.

The goal was disputed by Genoa players, who believed De Bruyne had fouled Johan Vasquez in the build-up. De Bruyne offered a measured assessment of the incident.

“I think it is 50-50. It depends on the angle from which you watch it. From my point of view, I was coming from the side and he moved towards me. You can interpret it however you want. I was a little surprised, but that is football. People talk a lot and I do not care.”

De Bruyne was also asked about reports that he could leave Napoli during the summer transfer window. He denied ever considering an exit and said comments he made had been misinterpreted.

“I never thought about leaving and I never said that. The truth is that when I speak, I am very direct, but sometimes some people do not like that and make a big story out of it.”

“Throughout the summer, they kept saying that Kevin would go here or there. They did not know where I was or where my family was. I care a lot about my privacy.”

De Bruyne compares Conte and Allegri

Explaining why his relationship with Conte had not worked, De Bruyne said disagreements between a player and manager were a normal part of football.

“These things happen; it is not a big problem. You cannot get along with everyone throughout your career, and that is normal. I am not the only one. Sometimes there are different views of football, and that is normal.”

He then outlined the contrast he has seen between Conte and Allegri.

“Conte is extremely strict and focuses more on professional relationships. Football, then football, then football. He thinks only about football, and there was no personal relationship with the players.”

“As for Allegri, he is calmer and less formal, and from what I have seen, he cares more about personal relationships. Every manager is different, and I have worked with many managers.”

De Bruyne, who scored one goal and provided another as a substitute in Napoli’s win over Genoa, was also asked whether his previous injury absence had made him consider retirement.

“No, I did not think about it at the time. But I sometimes think about it. I think about my future, my children and the best decision to take to move forward. That is normal at this stage of my career.”

The former Manchester City team-mate of Gabriel Jesus was then invited to comment on the possibility of the Brazilian joining Napoli.

“He is a great player. He has quality when attacking with the ball, on the wing and in transitions. He is a player with qualities that we do not currently have, and he is different from Rasmus Højlund or Lorenzo Lucca.”

Napoli’s next league match is against Como on Sunday. Como began the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Udinese.