‘Noa has to work’ – Conte responds to Lang’s frustration over lack of minutes

Antonio Conte insisted Noa Lang “has to work” after the winger voiced his frustration over his lack of gametime at Napoli.

The 26-year-old joined from PSV in pre-season for a reported €25m, but he has yet to start for the Partenopei in a competitive match.

He came off the bench against his former side in the Champions League on Tuesday, with the Serie A champions losing 6-2 in the Netherlands.

Napoli conceded six goals in a Champions League/European Cup match for the first time; the previous most they had conceded was four, doing so on three occasions.

They have also lost their last four away matches in the Champions League, equalling their longest losing streak away from home in the competition: four games between February and December 2017.

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After the defeat, Lang claimed he had only spoken to Conte once since his arrival and said he hoped for more minutes in Naples.

“Every player wants to play. I don’t know what else to do. It’s better not to say anything,” said Lang.

“I signed a contract here, and I have to accept it as it is. I don’t have any other choice.”

Conte, speaking to Ziggo Sport, said Lang must work harder in training to earn his place in the starting lineup.

“Lang spent the full pre-season with us and played some games, but he was never a starter,” said Conte.

“I repeat, we must talk about the team and not about individuals, otherwise it would be harmful.

“Noa has to work, and he’ll go onto the pitch when I decide. Otherwise, he’ll stay on the bench.”