Redaction Simon Brett with Dan Murphy
Published on 2024-02-23 11:30:00
In a rare decision, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola chose to leave star player Kevin De Bruyne on the bench for their recent match against Brentford. The decision proved to be wise as City still managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Despite dominating the game, City struggled to find the breakthrough until the 71st minute when Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal. The victory was crucial for City as they had previously failed to beat Chelsea, and a second consecutive draw would have been heartbreaking.
De Bruyne, usually a key player in City’s lineup, was kept on the bench throughout the match. Guardiola’s decision not to bring him on seemed unusual at the time, but it turned out to be the right call. After the game, Guardiola explained that De Bruyne had hamstring niggles, and the decision was made out of caution to prevent any potential risks. This approach is a result of past lessons learned the hard way, as De Bruyne has suffered from serious hamstring injuries in the past.
At 33 years old, De Bruyne’s physical condition and injury history are important factors to consider in his playing time. Despite being an exceptional player, careful management and a cautious approach are essential to avoid lengthy lay-offs due to injuries.
Guardiola’s cautious approach is understandable, given the significant impact that De Bruyne’s absence would have on the team’s performance. It is clear that the manager is willing to make necessary sacrifices to ensure De Bruyne’s well-being and availability for important matches.
This decision highlights the importance of taking a careful and cautious approach to managing players, especially those with a history of injuries. For City and De Bruyne, it’s necessary to prioritize long-term fitness and well-being, even if it means occasionally foregoing the presence of a key player on the pitch.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
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