Pep Guardiola delivers swift response over possible Kevin De Bruyne role change

Redaction Willow Austin with Adam Booker
Published on 2024-02-19 09:30:00

Pep Guardiola has quickly dismissed any suggestions that Kevin De Bruyne may be taking on a new role in the Manchester City midfield.

The Belgian midfielder has been in exceptional form since returning from injury at the start of 2024, delivering more goal contributions than any other Premier League player since rejoining the City team after a five-month layoff due to hamstring surgery.

Despite his impressive performances in the attacking midfield role, there have been suggestions that the 32-year-old could be moved further back in the midfield to make room for emerging superstar Phil Foden.

With the departure of Kalvin Phillips, the deep-lying midfield position is considered the weakest spot in City’s squad depth after Rodri, while Guardiola has a multitude of attacking talent to choose from further up the pitch.

However, Guardiola was quick to shut down the idea that De Bruyne could find himself in a new role for the remainder of the season.

“No, he has to be in the final third,” Guardiola said. “He has not to defend deeper, no. I want Kevin (De Bruyne) in the final third, it’s his talent. A huge talent is there.”

“He can attack in the final third, he can move a little bit with freedom, right and left, to make his incredible talent.

“But sometimes in moments you have to defend, and the role from Rodri or (Ilkay) Gundogan last season or Bernardo (Silva) this season, (Mateo) Kovacic this season, he (Kevin De Bruyne) has not to.”

De Bruyne seems to be back to his best after recovering from his injury, and City are relying on his form as they continue to compete on multiple fronts in the business end of the campaign.

Following their 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend, Guardiola’s side four points behind league leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

Additionally, they remain in contention for success in both the Champions League and the FA Cup. Guardiola’s team is looking to carry their momentum and challenge for titles as the season progresses.

Read Original article on City Xtra