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Hojlund Revitalized Under Conte: “He’s Exactly What I Need”

Rasmus Hojlund believes he has found the perfect mentor in Antonio Conte. The Danish striker, who endured a difficult spell at Manchester United, says his move to Napoli has reignited his confidence and love for football.

Since arriving in Naples, Hojlund has scored four goals in six appearances across all competitions, including a decisive strike in the 2-1 Serie A win over Genoa and a brace against Sporting CP in the Champions League.

“It was the right step for my career,” Hojlund told Radio Kiss Kiss. “Conte is a top coach. Napoli is a great club, a wonderful city, and exactly what I need at this stage of my life.”

The 22-year-old forward left Old Trafford after slipping down the pecking order following Manchester United’s signing of Benjamin Šeško. Additional attacking arrivals—Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha—only confirmed that Hojlund’s role would be limited under new tactical approaches.

Conte’s influence on strikers is well documented. Under his guidance, Romelu Lukaku enjoyed the most prolific years of his career at Inter, and now the Italian tactician appears to be working similar magic with Hojlund.

“He was on the sidelines at United, but he has great potential,” Conte said after Napoli’s win over Genoa. “He must work hard because he can become a star—and he’s proving that every day.”

Napoli currently top Serie A with 15 points from their first six matches, a start that reflects Conte’s immediate impact. Hojlund, meanwhile, has already scored half the number of league goals he managed in all of last season with Manchester United (4 goals in 32 Premier League appearances).

The forward’s move to Napoli is officially a loan, with an obligation to buy set at £38 million ($51 million) if the club qualifies for next season’s Champions League. Given their early-season form, that clause looks certain to be triggered.

For Hojlund, the decision to return to Italy—where he previously impressed with Atalanta, scoring nine goals in the 2022–23 campaign—has already paid dividends.

“I’m happy in Naples,” he said. “I’ve played in Denmark, Austria, and England, but here I feel at home. I plan to stay.”

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