Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will welcome Kevin De Bruyne with open arms at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening. De Bruyne left Man City last summer after ten years for an adventure with Napoli and now returns to familiar ground for the Champions League.
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The Champions League group stage offers a headline clash this Thursday evening at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City welcome Napoli in what promises to be a fascinating encounter not only for its footballing stakes but also for the emotional reunions on display.
For City fans, the occasion will be particularly poignant as Kevin De Bruyne, a club legend who left in the summer after a decade of service, returns to Manchester for the first time in the colours of Napoli. De Bruyne’s departure marked the end of an era: ten years under contract with City, 422 official appearances, countless assists, and decisive moments that helped deliver both domestic dominance and the long-awaited Champions League title. His farewell ceremony at the Etihad a few months ago left few dry eyes, including those of Pep Guardiola, who could not hold back his emotions as he paid tribute to one of the finest players he has ever coached.
On the eve of this reunion, Guardiola spoke with both affection and caution. “Am I looking forward to seeing Kevin again? Yes, of course,” the Spaniard admitted with a smile at Wednesday’s press conference. “But mainly after the match. During the game he is our opponent, and I know better than anyone what he is capable of.”
De Bruyne’s new adventure in Serie A has started in the best possible way. Now wearing Napoli’s sky blue, he has quickly adapted to life in Italy, linking up effectively with fellow Dutchman Sam Beukema and winger Noa Lang. Guardiola is not surprised. “Players of Kevin’s level adapt very quickly,” he said. “Kevin has incredible talent, provides countless assists and is always decisive in the final third. He is a unique player.”
Yet City will approach this match with confidence, knowing that they still possess one of the most formidable squads in Europe. Leading the line will be Erling Haaland, whose presence remains a constant source of goals and inspiration. Guardiola highlighted not only the Norwegian’s scoring record but also his growing influence within the group. “He is becoming a more and more important player for us in the dressing room. It’s happening naturally. Erling is also gaining more experience. In his first season, he joined a team that had already won a lot, except for the Champions League. He helped us win that trophy as well. As long as Erling is fit, he will always play. Could he also become the captain of this team? That’s something the future will tell.”
City’s preparations for this game also include a fresh face between the posts. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made his debut in last Sunday’s league clash against Manchester United, is set for his first taste of European action with his new club. The Italian goalkeeper already feels at home in Manchester and explained how much Guardiola’s insistence meant in securing his move. “Before the summer I already knew that City were very interested, and the connection only grew stronger after that. I knew the manager was pushing for me to come here. That really gave me a boost, and I was very proud to feel such appreciation from him. Winning the Champions League is certainly a goal, but we must always remain humble, that is crucial,” said Donnarumma.
This match, however, is about more than just individual stories. For City, it is the chance to start their European campaign with a statement against one of Italy’s most ambitious clubs. For Napoli, it is the opportunity to show that their investment in De Bruyne and other talents can translate into success against the reigning European champions. The tactical battle will be intriguing: City’s controlled possession game against Napoli’s more direct and dynamic style, with De Bruyne himself possibly being the bridge between the two philosophies.
All eyes will be on how the Etihad crowd receives their former hero. De Bruyne is expected to be warmly welcomed before kickoff, but once the whistle blows, loyalties will be tested as City’s fans hope their former midfield maestro does not come back to haunt them. Guardiola and his players know the danger, but they also know this is the type of challenge that defines a Champions League season.
As the clock ticks toward the 21:00 kickoff, anticipation grows. Manchester City, defending their crown, face a Napoli side eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. With De Bruyne’s return, Haaland’s goals, Donnarumma’s debut, and Guardiola’s tactical brain, this clash has all the ingredients to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.
Updated: 03:10, 17 Sep 2025
