Man City boss Pep Guardiola not surprised by Kevin De Bruyne’s impact at Napoli

Football
17 Sep 2025 • 8:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Pep Guardiola is not surprised Kevin De Bruyne appears to have settled quickly at Napoli.

The former Manchester City playmaker joined the Serie A outfit in the summer after a decade at the Etihad Stadium.

The 34-year-old returns to his old stomping ground this week as City host the Italian side in their Champions League opener on Thursday.

City manager Guardiola said: “It’s not a surprise, players at that level adapt so quick. They don’t need much time to adapt and perform well.”

Asked if he was looking forward to seeing De Bruyne, Guardiola said: “After the game, yes!”

De Bruyne, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with City, has scored twice in his opening three Serie A games for Napoli.

Asked what makes him so successful, Guardiola said: “His incredible talent, vision, passing, goals in the final third. He is unique.”