De Bruyne uncertain of new Napoli role: ‘I was always a Number 8 or 10’
NAPLES, ITALY - OCTOBER 10: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne admits he’s not entirely happy with the new Napoli position, despite scoring two goals, while Noa Lang wants a fresh start. ‘I’ve always been a Number 8, or Number 10.’
The Belgium international has so far struggled to replicate the Manchester City or even international form since coming to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona over a year ago.
That was partly due to injuries, but today he was used in a deeper role for the new 3-4-3 formation, and it paid off for a 3-0 victory against Frosinone.
De Bruyne scored two goals, converting a penalty and meeting the Giovane pull-back from close range, around a Lang tap-in.
New Napoli position for De Bruyne
“I’m not an emotional person, I am very pragmatic,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
“We played well in the first half, there are moments we could’ve done better, especially in the second half when we should’ve played better with the ball. You could see in the last 15 minutes when we kept the ball it was very difficult for them to get a rhythm and we had an issue with that at the beginning of the second half.
“I think we deserved the win, played well, created chances, and scored the goals.”
De Bruyne was asked which position he genuinely prefers to play in, and he hinted that this deeper role is not something he wants to get too accustomed to.
“I’ve always been a Number 8, Number 10. It changes over the years, but I’ve always been a Number 8, Number 10 original. They asked me to play a different role today, as we had a lot of injuries in midfield.
“Lobotka and Gilmour played four games on international duty, so with my missing the last game with Belgium, they wanted to give the other players some rest, as we have nine games in the next few weeks.
“It’s a busy schedule, it is what it is, I try to help, and that’s it. We were working well in the beginning of the season, we’re trying to look forward, and we’ll see what happens in the next few games,” concluded De Bruyne.
Lang had been on track for Man of the Match until De Bruyne scored the second goal, but he didn’t seem to mind too much.
“It doesn’t matter for me, the most important thing is that we win the game. He deserved it,” Lang told Sky Sport Italia.
The former PSV Eindhoven wide man famously did not get along with Antonio Conte, but hopes to do better under Max Allegri.
“It was a difficult year for me, but I am happy to be back. My mind is back to zero, new coach, new chances, let’s go again. Let’s say this is just the beginning, and we’ll have a great season, I hope.”
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