Napoli star Noa Lang has spoken about his adventure at the Italian giant under Antonio Conte, claiming he was treated unfairly during his brief spell in Italy.
Lang has joined Galatasaray on loan to save his World Cup dream, and left no stone unturned when speaking about his short spell in Italy. The Dutch star hit out at the “political behaviour” behind the scenes in Naples that forced him out after just six months
Speaking on the Transfer Deadline Show, Lang did not mince his words when explaining why his move from PSV turned sour so quickly, pointing the finger squarely at Napoli boss Conte.
“It speaks for itself, I think,” Lang began, clearly frustrated by the narrative surrounding his departure. “How am I going to say this in a normal way? It didn’t click with the trainer. Let’s leave it at that.”
Noa Lang during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Kayserispor. (Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The Netherlands international hinted that there is a deeper story to be told regarding his treatment by the Italian giants.
He suggested that while his reputation often precedes him, this situation was not of his making.
“I know that you in the Netherlands often think that it lies with me, but one day it will be known,” he teased. Despite the friction with management, Lang maintained he held no grudges against the institution itself. “For now, I have a lot of respect for the club where I am under contract. I have a good bond with almost everyone within the club. But this political behaviour doesn’t suit me.”
Moving on, Lang revealed that despite the public perception of a troubled spell, he remained a popular figure within the squad. Adding that he’s not a player who wants to leave after one year.
“It honestly took a while,” Lang admitted regarding his decision to accept Galatasaray’s offer. “The club speaks for itself. But I am not someone who wants to leave after half a year.”
He painted a picture of a player who was integrated socially but isolated professionally by the coaching staff. “Nine out of ten people didn’t want me to leave either,” he claimed. “I was good in the group, I trained well every day.”
Lang has always been vocal about his situation I’m Napoli. In October, he voiced his frustration over his lack of playing time after he was benched in a 6-2 defeat against former side PSV in the Champions League.
In the end, he made 27 appearances for the reigning Italian champions, starting on nine occasion.
