Napoli coach Conte addresses De Bruyne blow-up: He needs our support

Napoli coach Antonio Conte insists there are no issues between himself and Kevin de Bruyne.

Ahead of tomorrow's Champions League clash with Sporting CP, revisited De Bruyne's wobbler when substituted during Napoli's defeat at AC Milan.

De Bruyne's behaviour drew a spiky reaction from Conte after the loss, though this morning the coach insisted any friction was now over.

"I've understood what I needed to understand, and everything has already been clarified. Clear agreements, long-lasting friendships are spoken of in my house, and so the situation is already closed," Conte said.

"I never like to talk about individuals," Conte continued, "we win and lose as a team, but regarding Sunday's match, I reiterate that I was more satisfied with the performance on Sunday night than with the two victories last year, where we struggled so much. The performance was there, after two lapses of concentration that we need to work on, to get back to the things that made us the least beaten defense, but the proof was there, at San Siro we dominated the game and that's not the order of the day.

"That said, Kevin is from Napoli, the team does well, he does well, the team does poorly, he does poorly, we know what he can give us, he's a player who needs support and we try to find the right balance, you go from extremes and when you win it's fantastic, and if you make a mistake, everything is wrong. I have to find a solution, but it's the second year and it will be very complex for us because we have to play every three days and bring in new players, not just one.

"I repeat this because I think so, not because it's an excuse. We'll have to improve along the way, involving everyone to prepare for the third year where the situation will be different. it will already be more structured."

Situation must be restored

Speaking to Sky Italia, shortly before the press conference, Conte also spoke about the De Bruyne issue.

"It's not a question of a situation related to a single player. Those who know me know my point of view on certain behaviors that should be followed. Sometimes those who don't know me make mistakes.

"It's up to me to restore the situation and reiterate certain concepts to the whole group, so that one time you give it a try and the second time you don't."