Pep Guardiola was impressed with the ‘extraordinary’ defensive efficiency of 10-man Napoli, whereas it might’ve been ‘unattainable’ for Manchester Metropolis to win with out Kevin De Bruyne in recent times.
The Champions League opener on the Etihad barely even received going for the Partenopei, as after 21 minutes they had been lowered to 10 males over a Giovanni Di Lorenzo mistimed sort out on Erling Haaland.
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After holding out for 56 minutes below fixed stress, the dam broke with a Haaland looping header and Jeremy Doku solo run
Guardiola envies Conte defensive information
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, and Pep Guardiola, Supervisor of Manchester Metropolis, embrace previous to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD1 match between Manchester Metropolis and SSC Napoli at Metropolis of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photograph by Dan Istitene/Getty Photos)
“Antonio Conte is aware of many issues, and I’m not as succesful as he’s of marshalling such a robust defensive efficiency right down to 10 males,”
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“They stayed concentrated, doubled up the marking, the tradition is extraordinary. We didn’t play boring soccer, we tried to attain targets, and it was simpler after breaking the impasse. We’re comfortable for the victory, however there’s a lengthy method to go on this competitors.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Supervisor of Manchester Metropolis, reacts throughout the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD1 match between Manchester Metropolis and SSC Napoli at Metropolis of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photograph by Dan Istitene/Getty Photos)
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Haaland has now scored a unprecedented 50 targets in 49 Champions League appearances, so having him there offers Manchester Metropolis an undoubted benefit over most groups.
“Having Erling upfront does give us quite a lot of confidence. We’ve began the match properly, I congratulate the lads.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli leaves the pitch after being substituted while Pep Guardiola, Supervisor of Manchester Metropolis, speaks to Erling Haaland of Manchester Metropolis throughout the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD1 match between Manchester Metropolis and SSC Napoli at Metropolis of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photograph by Ryan Pierse/Getty Photos)
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There was one other unlucky sufferer of the Di Lorenzo crimson card, as when Napoli went right down to 10 males, they balanced the crew by taking De Bruyne off and introducing full-back Mathias Olivera.
“I hope to see him after this. What Kevin did throughout these 10 years right here, you can’t perceive,” mentioned Guardiola.
“To win what we received with out him would’ve been unattainable. You noticed the love the followers have for him as we speak, it’s a pity he didn’t get to play extra, however he received to really feel that affection from the gang.”