Kevin De Bruyne and Allegri clash over role in Napoli's painful defeat

On the cold evening at Villarreal’s stadium, tension fell early, when Kevin De Bruyne (35) and his teammates went down the hatch for the second time in a row. The Red Devil found himself already at halftime in a heated discussion with coach Massimiliano Allegri, a confrontation that would shape the aftermath of the painful defeat.

Napoli’s Champions‑League‑problems deepen

The Italian club is struggling in the Champions League; with zero points from six matches, Napoli currently sits 31st in the standings. The 3‑1 defeat to Villarreal came unexpectedly and confirmed the downward trend.

Allegri’s criticism of the midfielders

Afterwards Allegri pinpointed the problem: “You can’t immediately get confused and concede another goal.” He emphasized that the defensive organization left much to be desired, especially in midfield where Villarreal took the upper hand.

The coach then proposed a new role for De Bruyne: he should play deeper on the pitch, as a so‑called ‘six’, to provide more defensive stability. “As a playmaker in a two‑man midfield he is even better,” Allegri previously told Sky Sport Italy.

Allegri says Napoli lack balance after defeat to Villarreal

De Bruyne’s discontent

De Bruyne did not react positively to the suggestion. “I asked him to come down a bit and thus get McTominay, who is more useful in attack, higher up the pitch. But we didn’t understand each other…,” Allegri said about the exchange. The Red Devil still does not seem convinced of the new position.

The disagreement between the two men escalated shortly before halftime, when Villarreal completely erased Napoli’s early 0‑1 lead. Napoli’s midfield was overrun, causing the team to lose control.

Napoli collapses at Villarreal: zero points in Champions League and urgent warnings

Allegri tried in the second half to point the right way, but the damage had already been done. The discussion about De Bruyne’s role remains a focal point, while Napoli looks for a solution to save their Champions‑League campaign.