Noa Lang has expressed frustration over his lack of playing time at Napoli, revealing he has only spoken to Antonio Conte once since joining in the summer. After being benched in a humiliating 6-2 defeat to former club PSV, the Dutch winger admitted he “has to accept” his situation while Conte warned he must avoid being “selfish” and focus on the team.
Lang’s frustration grows as minutes remain scarce under Conte
What should’ve been a special return to PSV turned into a nightmare for Noa Lang. Napoli were thrashed 6-2 in Eindhoven, with the Dutch winger who came through PSV’s youth ranks once again left out of the starting XI. He was only brought on in the 58th minute to replace Billy Gilmour. Lang has featured in just six games this season, all as a substitute, totalling 110 minutes of action since his €28 million (£24m/$30m) move in July.
Lang didn’t hide his frustration after the full-time whistle. Speaking with visible anger, he admitted he expected more opportunities by now and was shocked to remain on the sidelines during such a heavy defeat. He added that while he is training hard, selection is out of his control and all he can do is “accept the situation for now.”
The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract until 2030, but just months into his Napoli career, the relationship between player and coach already appears strained. His comments suggest a breakdown in communication with Conte, raising early concerns about his role in the squad.
AdvertisementAFP‘I’ve only spoken to him once’ – Lang’s strained relationship with Conte
Lang openly voiced his frustration with the team’s performance and his role: "I better not say anything," he said with a mix of anger and disappointment. "The result says it all," sighed Lang on . "Losing 6-2 to PSV? That's just scandalous. We didn't even get a chance. We were simply outplayed."
He added: "I wasn't allowed to play? I don't know what else to do. I'm training hard. I have no other choice. I signed a contract here, so I have to accept it as it is right now.
"I don't speak to him [Conte] very often. I spoke to him once. I'm a bit confused now after this result. It's better not to say anything."
Conte fires back and warns against selfishness
The Italian was questioned shortly after Lang’s comments but refused to focus on one individual. Before addressing his winger specifically, the coach made it clear that no player can put personal concerns ahead of the collective.
"We need to talk about the team, not just one player," he said. "I don't want to talk about just one player, because it's dangerous if you become selfish. That's not good for our season. He needs to keep working hard. If I decide to play him, I will; otherwise, he'll stay on the bench."
Gli Azzurri's form has made the situation even more tense. They have suffered back-to-back defeats against Torino and PSV and are struggling to find stability in Europe losing twice already in their Champions League group. While they sit third in Serie A and only one point behind leaders AC Milan, pressure is mounting on Conte to quickly restore order.
Lang, who registered 11 goals and 10 assists for PSV last season, was expected to bring creativity and unpredictability to Napoli’s attack. Instead, he finds himself on the fringes of the squad at a time when expectations are high and results are slipping.
Getty Images SportWhat next for Napoli and Noa Lang after PSV humiliation?
The Scudetto winners' schedule now intensifies. In Serie A, they face Inter next – a direct rival level on points in second place before returning to Champions League action against Eintracht Frankfurt, Qarabag and Benfica in a must-win run of fixtures to stay alive in Europe.
For Lang, the path forward is simple but demanding: continue working, stay patient, and wait for Conte’s trust. The winger remains under contract until 2030, but unless his situation improves, frustration could quickly turn into something more serious.
Conte, meanwhile, will be judged not just on results, but on how he handles big personalities in the dressing room. With pressure building, Napoli’s next few matches could shape both their season and Noa Lang’s future.