Kevin De Bruyne responds to Napoli critics after Champions League start

Kevin De Bruyne has addressed criticisms regarding his form and role at Napoli following a Champions League appearance against Arsenal. After spending the first three Serie A matches on the bench, the 35-year-old Belgian midfielder started the match and played the full 90 minutes.

Despite Napoli's defeat, De Bruyne received praise for his performance, including providing assists in recent play. However, the match also saw tension when De Bruyne engaged in a heated verbal and gestural dispute with team captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo over defensive positioning.

De Bruyne responded to skeptics by stating, “This was the real Kevin. I don't know what you expected of me,” emphasizing that his current style of play is a reflection of who he is now. He noted that while he may lack the explosiveness of his Premier League years, his vision and passing remain intact. He also mentioned a positive relationship with manager Allegri, describing him as calmer than himself.