“Nothing absolutely changes” – Pep Guardiola defiantly rejects Kevin De Bruyne claim

Redaction Willow Austin with Harry Winters
Published on 2024-02-19 22:35:00

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that there will be no change in position for Kevin De Bruyne. The 32-year-old midfielder has been instrumental in boosting Manchester City’s silverware hopes since returning from a long-term absence due to hamstring surgery. He has been directly involved in 10 goals in 10 appearances, returning against Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup before making his first Premier League start since August against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium last month.

De Bruyne scored in his first UEFA Champions League appearance of the campaign against FC Copenhagen and guided Manchester City to victory against Newcastle United on his Premier League return in January. He has started four of City’s previous five matches across all competitions but was frustrated against Chelsea on Saturday evening at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola strongly rejected a positional change for De Bruyne following Saturday’s Premier League clash, stating that De Bruyne has to play in the position he has played for eight years and a half. He clarified that De Bruyne has never played as a holding midfielder defending deep and that nothing will absolutely change in terms of his position.

Guardiola also emphasized that De Bruyne can help with high pressing up front and coming back to support defensively, but his preferred position for De Bruyne remains the same. De Bruyne is expected to feature against Brentford on Tuesday night, as Manchester City aims to bounce back from the disappointing result against Chelsea. A win over Brentford would see Guardiola’s team leapfrog Arsenal and move to within just one point of leaders Liverpool.

Read Original article on City Xtra