Napoli, Billing introduces himself: "I'm here thanks to Conte"

Naples, 6 February 2025 - Of the market, for some almost a non-market, operated by Napoli in the session just ended there's a lot of talk, between regrets and criticisms, that the headquarters of Castel Volturno tried to resend yesterday via the heartfelt press conference of the sporting director John MannaThe final verdict will be provided by the pitch: in the meantime the Azzurri have strengthened the midfield by taking Philip Billing on loan from Bournemouth and the new purchase himself spoke to the microphones of Radio Crc.   

What Billing Said About Conte

As already happened in the summer and despite the fact that the world has changed in the meantime and the Neapolitans are at the top of the rankings, the Danish Philip Billing confirms that the main attraction for landing in the shadow of Vesuvius is called Antonio Conte. “The coach is one of the reasons why I am here. He is a winner and with him in training you need to be on top of things every day. I also came here to learn and to become a better footballer every day and I think he is the perfect man for this”.

In fact, the first feedback from Castel Volturno suggest that a certain feeling is developing between the two, despite the fact that the hierarchies in midfield seem crystallized at the moment and the competition to be played by the Napoli from now until the end of the season there is only one.

"Naples, like being in a family"

Aside from these discussions, arriving in January at a new team – which is doing very well, by the way – is not exactly an easy mission. "Coming from abroad in a situation like this, means that you know you have to find your place even though everyone is strong. The relationship between me and my teammates is like that of a family. Everyone has been kind to me and tried to help me. In general - continues Billing - I have only positive things to say about the group I found here: every day everyone works hard”. 

The trio with McTominay and Zambo Anguissa

And the fruits, according to the rankings, are visible, just as the growth of a median that has in Scott McTominay e Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa two literally immovable pivots. “I think they are two great players. I enjoy training with them and I watch them a lot to see what they do because they have been here longer than me. Obviously I start from my way of playing, but I also try to learn through them. They are both incredible both physically and technically and, in addition, they run and score a lot”.

Among the common points of this trio is a more or less recent past in Premier League, a very different championship from the Serie A. "Compared to theEngland, here I was impressed by the greater attention to the tactical aspect, which pushes you to use your brain more. Every day we focus on tactics and I like it, because it helps you understand the game better”.

Billing's role in blue

For the time being the role of Billing in blue it was that of the mere observer from the stands and from the bench and between the 'observed' matches there is that one at Maradona against Juventus, undefeated in the league until that point. "It gave me goosebumps to see the stadium full and the fans singing with passion throughout the match. The atmosphere is very different to where I was before and I liked it, because it gives you extra energy."

Then we move on to the first impact with the city. “I looked around a bit and I already saw something among the many beauties that are there". He closes with some more personal information about the class of '96. “I like rap and house music. Obviously I listen to a lot of Danish songs and now I'm starting with Italian ones to help me with the language. But I really don't have many preferences, because I like various genres”.

Billing Features

This ductility Billing he does not only possess it in music but also on the pitch. He arrived in blue very quietly at the beginning of January with the formula of a free loan with the right of redemption set at 10 million, the former Bournemouth he presents himself as a midfielder of size (193 cm for 83 kg) who however also has a very educated natural left foot which allows him to cover practically all roles in midfield and even higher. The Dane, National with which he has found so far 5 tokens (more 12 in under-21, seasoned with 1 goal, and 1 in under-19), he can also play in the three-quarter line, not disdaining the insertions in search of the way to the net.

The question of the form does not arise, because Billing can play in a two or three man midfield, like the one currently used by Tale and from Napoli, who at least until the end of June will ensure a ready and experienced player. And then? It is difficult to predict what will happen in a summer in which the Azzurri will have to think about putting together two high-value teams to re-present themselves with important credentials in the European competitions, most likely in Champions League.

Much will obviously depend on the person directly concerned, under observation in this sense as well as the rest of the second lines and with particular attention to those who arrived in January, in a session that created more discontent than enthusiasm. Who knows, perhaps among the quiet arrivals there is some precious weapon for the Napoli of today and tomorrow and who knows, maybe there is one among them Billing, quantity and quality at the service of Tale and of the blue midfield.

The debut on the pitch has not yet taken place, but in the meantime the first impressions, between training sessions and public chats, seem encouraging despite some already making comparisons with Tanguy Ndombele, contemporary and another meteor to Fuorigrotta, where however he had time to win the championship.

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