De Bruyne still 'reeling' after Conte substituted him 20 minutes into Etihad return

Kevin De Bruyne has not forgiven the slight of being substituted after just 20 minutes on his emotional return to the Etihad Stadium, with former Napoli striker Roberto Carlos Sosa claiming the Belgian is still “reeling” from the decision more than a year on.

De Bruyne left Manchester City in 2025 after a decade at the club, joining Napoli following the expiry of his contract. The reunion with his former employers came quickly, with Napoli drawn against City in last season’s Champions League. Despite a warm reception from supporters and ex-teammates, the occasion turned sour when manager Antonio Conte withdrew De Bruyne early after Giovanni di Lorenzo was sent off and Napoli were forced to reshape with ten men.

“De Bruyne is still reeling from the disappointment in Manchester, where Conte decided to substitute him after 20 minutes when Napoli found themselves with ten men,” Sosa told AreaNapoli. “It’s not fair to the fans, but I feel like defending Kevin, because he’s a special player.”

Sosa was pointed in his criticism of Conte’s handling of the situation. “Last season, Conte wanted to prove he was the prima donna, when De Bruyne should have felt that way,” he said. “Kevin came to Naples to be a protagonist, but instead he found a character like Conte who told him: ‘Look, for me you’re the same as a right-back.’”

Despite the friction, Sosa insisted De Bruyne harbours no broader resentment towards the club or city. “He’s happy in Naples, otherwise he wouldn’t have stayed.”

De Bruyne managed just 21 appearances in an injury-affected debut season at Napoli, contributing five goals. Conte has since been replaced by Massimiliano Allegri, and the 35-year-old has featured in all six of Allegri’s opening games in charge — starting three and coming off the bench in three more — suggesting a fresh start under new management.

The emotional cost of leaving City was already on record. In the Amazon Prime documentary A Beautiful Obsession, focused on former City manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne spoke candidly about learning his contract would not be renewed. “It’s really hard. My kids don’t want to go,” he said. “It’s been really stressful days and I’m not making decisions any more based on myself. It’s easy to go to another team and play football. But it’s been a tough time for us as a family.”