Noa Lang has drawn criticism for stating he has rarely spoken to coach Antonio Conte since his €28m summer move to Napoli, prompting pundit Theo Janssen to call his comments ‘stupid’ and question his future.
Napoli winger Noa Lang has been publicly criticized after expressing frustration over his lack of playing time under coach Antonio Conte immediately following the club’s humiliating 6-2 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
The €28 million summer signing admitted to a lack of communication with the manager, stating: “No, not that much. I spoke to him once.”
A pundit, reacting to the interview, described the comments as “very strange” and branded the star’s timing “stupid,” questioning his fit for Conte’s demanding standards.
In response, a determined Conte downplayed the individual concern, focusing on collective responsibility after the historic defeat.
The coach issued a stern warning to the 26-year-old: “Noa can be dangerous for us this season but he has to work hard. Otherwise, I’ll play different players and he’ll be on the bench.”
Lang, who is yet to start a game, now faces pressure to quickly adapt to Conte’s tactical discipline amid growing speculation about his long-term role at the club.