Kevin De Bruyne has been labelled a 'problem' for Napoli by former general manager Pierpaolo Marino, after the Belgian struggled to make an impact since his free transfer from Manchester City. The 34-year-old has scored three goals—two penalties—but was substituted in four of his six appearances, and reacted angrily during the weekend defeat to AC Milan.
Speaking to TeleVomero, Marino said: 'Is De Bruyne there, or is he a reminder of what he used to be? So far he hasn't had a say on a free kick or a penalty, and De Bruyne is now a problem for Conte.' The former director also claimed that De Bruyne's arrival is negatively affecting Scott McTominay, who has not scored since the first game of the season.
Antonio Conte addressed the incident, saying: 'I hope De Bruyne was upset about the substitution because of the result, because otherwise he's got the wrong guy.' The Napoli manager defended his decision to replace De Bruyne, McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund with Eljif Elmas, David Neres and Lorenzo Lucca.
De Bruyne will aim to improve when Napoli face Sporting in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The club signed him on a free transfer after his Manchester City contract expired, but his form has so far disappointed.
