What Conte told Lang before joining Napoli and first word learned in Italian

New Napoli signing Noa Lang has revealed what head coach Antonio Conte told him before his move from PSV was confirmed, and has also told reporters that he is already picking up a few words in Italian after his first few days of training, particularly the word ‘stanco’. 

Lang officially joined Napoli from PSV in a €28m deal earlier this week, made up of €25m plus €3m in add-ons. 

The 26-year-old became Napoli’s third signing of the summer following the previous arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne and Luca Marianucci, and has since been followed by Lorenzo Lucca, who has joined on loan with an option to buy from Udinese. 

He sat down for his introductory press conference in front of the media on Sunday, fielding questions on his style of play, his expectations with the Partenopei and his musical endeavours off the pitch. 

Lang on Napoli move and life under Conte

During his introductory press conference on Sunday, Kang revealed that the first word he has learned since arriving in Italy is ‘stanco’, meaning ‘tired’, after being exposed to Conte’s notoriously tough pre-season training programme. 

“My first word in Italian is ‘stanco’,” Lang said when asked about his first few days of training in Campania. 

“I think the training sessions are heavy. In Holland, everything is with the ball, pre-season also, it’s only touching the ball. 

“Here it’s a lot of running as well, I think it’s good for me to come out of my comfort zone. I was in my comfort zone in Holland and now it’s really time to work hard and try to become the best player I can be.”

Lang went on to reveal what Conte told him before he made the decision to leave PSV for Napoli. 

Lang explained that he wants to improve on a tactical and defensive level and feels that Conte is the best coach around to help him achieve that goal.

“The first call I had with Mister Conte was directly about tactics,” Lang said. 

“That was actually before the choice was made to come to Napoli. I think he will help me a lot. Since the very first minute I spoke with him, he directly talked about tactics and defending, so we will be alright.”