Allegri explains half-time exchange with De Bruyne after Napoli’s defeat by Villarreal

Massimiliano Allegri said he became frustrated with Kevin De Bruyne at half-time because the Napoli midfielder had misunderstood an instruction intended to give Scott McTominay a more attacking role.

Napoli were beaten 3-1 by Villarreal at La Ceramica, a result which ended the Spanish side’s run of seven successive defeats in the Champions League.

Asked about his exchange with De Bruyne, Napoli manager Allegri told reporters: “The reaction between Kevin De Bruyne and me? I asked him to drop deeper and push Scott McTominay further forward, so he could have more freedom and make better use of his technical ability because he is more useful in attack. But we did not understand each other very well.”

Allegri added: “If you defend well in midfield, that naturally gives you an advantage when you move forward to attack.”

The Italian said Napoli had created attacking opportunities during the season but needed to improve their defensive balance.

“We have had attacking situations throughout the season, but we allow too many shots on our goal, so we need to find the right balance,” he said.

“Defensive solidity does not mean sitting deep and defending in front of your own penalty area. It means not allowing the team’s lines to remain spread out all the time and forcing yourselves to run constantly.”

Napoli made the stronger start and took the lead after eight minutes. Amir Rrahmani reacted first when the ball came back off the crossbar following an excellent save by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Villarreal levelled when Giorgi Mikautadze rounded Vanja Milinkovic-Savic before finishing.

The home side completed the turnaround in the 26th minute, with Santiago Mourino putting Villarreal ahead with a powerful strike.

Villarreal then secured victory in the closing stages when Tani Oluwaseyi scored the third goal, sending a left-footed shot into the net from inside the penalty area.