Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund heaps praise on Napoli boss Antonio Conte

Napoli, Italy – Rasmus Hojlund’s loan spell at Napoli has become a story of redemption, and the Danish striker credits one man for the transformation: Antonio Conte. Speaking to Il Mattino (via Alfredo Pedulla), the 23-year-old revealed how the Partenopei coach has reignited his confidence after a bruising 21-game scoreless streak at Manchester United.

“I still have a lot to learn, and I’m sure Conte is the right coach to help me grow in many ways,” Hojlund said. “Compared to Rasmus in August, I’m a different player. I’m still improving, and even though I’m not very young, I’m sure I still have a lot of room for improvement.”

Since swapping Old Trafford for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer, Hojlund has buried 12 goals in all competitions, a stark contrast to the barren run that cast doubt on his £72 million move to United. The forward believes Conte’s relentless standards have been the catalyst.

“He’s mentally incredibly strong. I’m fascinated by his mentality: he’s passionate, fierce. And he’s a winner. In fact, a serial winner. And if he doesn’t win, we immediately understand that we haven’t won,” Hojlund explained.

Napoli secured the Denmark international on a €6 million season-long loan with an option to make the switch permanent for €44 million should they secure Champions League qualification. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has yet to commit, but Hojlund’s resurgence has strengthened his case for a long-term stay in southern Italy.