Napoli’s Champions League defeat to Villarreal has left more than a result to address, with Max Allegri facing a growing issue over Kevin De Bruyne’s role in the side.
The midfielder repeatedly appeared to disregard Allegri’s instructions during the match, as the coach asked him to operate deeper in the central midfield area. The intention was to allow Scott McTominay to make more runs into the penalty area, but De Bruyne continued to take up more advanced positions.
There were several exchanges from the touchline, with Allegri calling for a different response from his player. De Bruyne became visibly frustrated with team-mates and was seen spreading his arms while the Napoli coach looked increasingly unhappy.
An unresolved position debate
After the final whistle, Allegri sought to lower the temperature around the episode. “We did not understand each other,” he said in his television interview.
Yet the disagreement follows comments the coach had already made after the Frosinone match, when he explained that De Bruyne was reluctant to play in a deeper role.
“He does not like playing there; he wants to be further forward,” Allegri said at the time. “But I explained to him that it could extend his career by at least two years.”
The coach’s view is that De Bruyne’s deeper position can help Napoli create a better balance, while giving McTominay greater freedom to attack the box. The Villarreal loss suggested that the message has not yet been fully accepted on the pitch.
Venezia could bring a response
Napoli now turn towards the trip to Venezia with the matter still open. De Bruyne could be omitted from the starting side as Allegri considers a selection decision designed to underline his authority after the Champions League setback.
For Napoli, the next league fixture will therefore carry significance beyond three points. Allegri must restore calm after a difficult European evening while ensuring that the responsibilities within his midfield are clear ahead of another demanding Sunday in the Serie A season.
