Napoli, Conte hits back at unhappy Lang: ‘He has to work’

Antonio Conte hits back at Noa Lang, saying that the Dutch winger ‘has to work’ and will only go to the pitch ‘when I decide it.’

Lang, a former PSV star, made a substitute appearance in a 6-2 loss against his former club last night and did not hide his frustration over his lack of playing time at full-time.

The Dutch winger even said he had only talked to Conte once since joining Napoli last summer.

Napoli: Conte hits back at Lang

Ziggo Sport asked Conte for his thoughts on Lang’s claims, and the Italian didn’t hold back: “Lang spent the full pre-season with us and played some games, but he was never a starter,” he replied, via TMW.

“I repeat, we must talk about the team and not about individuals, otherwise it would be armful. Noa has to work, and he’ll go to the pitch when I decide it. Otherwise, he’ll stay on the bench.”

Lang has never started for Napoli in 2025-26

Lang has only made six substitute appearances so far this season, collecting 110 minutes of football.

He joined Napoli in a €25m deal last summer, and his contract at the Stadio Maradona runs out in June 2026.

Napoli have lost four games across all competitions this season, including the two most recent ones against Torino and PSV.

This coming Saturday, they host direct rivals Inter at the Stadio Maradona in a crucial Serie A match.