Coach Conte: 'De Bruyne's fate is cruel, the red card ruined the match'

Coach Antonio Conte said the red card ruined Napoli's match with Man City and that 'fate was cruel' for midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on his return to his old stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne (left) was substituted by coach Antonio Conte in the 26th minute - Photo: Sportsphoto

Man City defeated Napoli 2-0 at Etihad Stadium in the early morning of September 19 in the opening match of the UEFA Champions League.

This was a match where Napoli were down to 10 men from the 21st minute after Di Lorenzo received a straight red card and coach Antonio Conte was forced to replace Kevin De Bruyne in the 26th minute to strengthen the defense. This turned De Bruyne's "return" to the Etihad into a nightmare.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte was very disappointed when he answered Sky Sport Italia : "I felt we could have hurt Man City, but the red card ruined the game.

I don't want to comment on whether it was the right decision by the referee or not because I didn't see it. But having to play with one less man against Man City for nearly 75 minutes is impossible."

Asked if he had any doubts or regrets about taking De Bruyne off after just 26 minutes of a big game at the Etihad, Conte explained: "Sometimes fate is cruel. Last season, we only got one red card in Serie A. Here, we got a red card after 20 minutes. Taking De Bruyne off was the only thing I could do.

I feel sorry for him, we lost his form in the game and took away the opportunity to play here against his old club at his old stadium, but it was the only option."

QUOC THANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-conte-so-phan-nghiet-nga-voi-de-bruyne-the-do-huy-hoai-tran-dau-20250919052831547.htm