Guardiola explains why De Bruyne is no longer the solution to all of Man City’s problems
Kevin De Bruyne is no longer the answer to all of Manchester City’s problems, according to Pep Guardiola, who has stated his willingness to dismiss the midfielder.
The Belgium international has been a talismanic presence for the Blues for nearly eight years at the Etihad Stadium, winning two PFA Player of the Year awards and four Premier League titles. He is, however, 31 years old, and City’s system has evolved slightly since the appointment of Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022, which means that certain games require more end-to-end effort than De Bruyne delivers from a deep-lying playmaking position.
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City boss Guardiola has said of including De Bruyne in tactical tweaks, with the Belgian an unused substitute in a recent 4-2 victory over Tottenham: “Seven years we know each other very well. I know when Kevin is ready and sometimes not. It’s normal. There are many games. Sometimes we need another type of player in that position. Sometimes we need more players in the boxes and Kevin struggles a bit right there.
“Kevin, always you expect him to assist the ball – but how many assists does he provide that were not converted, don’t count as an assist but really is? Big competition in the squad. Some games need a specific player that Kevin for example struggles a little bit.”
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De Bruyne came off the bench after 77 minutes of City’s 3-0 win against Wolves last time out, but he has appeared in 19 of City’s 20 Premier League games this season.
Guardiola’s team, which is five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League championship race, is preparing to face the Gunners in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.
