Napoli coach, Antonio Conte, reflected on his team’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the opening match of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage.
Conte’s side was reduced to ten men early in the match, after captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off with a red card in the 21st minute by referee Felix Zwayer.
However, the Italian coach remains confident in his team’s success this season, as he believes they can lift the European trophy in the end.
“It is quite difficult to face Manchester City 11 versus 11, but to play with ten men after 20 minutes is almost impossible,” Conte initially said after the match.
“Defensively we played well, although in the situations where we conceded goals we could have done much better. However, I cannot blame my players – they showed character and commitment.”
“If the match had remained 11 versus 11, we could have seen a completely different game. We are talking about Manchester City – a fantastic team. But we will bring back to Italy the team spirit and determination.”
“Now we must recover and focus on Serie A. I am convinced that we are capable of succeeding in the Champions League,” concluded the Napoli coach.
