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Published on 2024-03-12 13:30:00
Garth Crooks has raised concerns about Pep Guardiola’s treatment of Kevin De Bruyne following City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Micah Richards observed De Bruyne’s frustrated reaction after being substituted and speculated that Guardiola may have made the decision to make a statement.
However, Richards also noted that Guardiola’s gesture of sitting next to De Bruyne on the bench was unusual and showed a level of care not typically seen from the manager.
De Bruyne’s substitution and subsequent reaction have sparked debate, with many questioning Guardiola’s handling of the situation.
Crooks, in particular, has warned Guardiola to be more mindful of how he treats De Bruyne, considering the player’s stature in the football world.
“Pep Guardiola exchanging words with [Kevin] De Bruyne, having brought the Belgium international off the pitch in a tactical change, did not go down well and clearly the player was far from happy with the manager’s decision. Guardiola needs to be careful – De Bruyne can walk into almost any team in the world but John Stones can’t”, he said on BBC Sport.
While some may criticize Guardiola for his decision, it is important to remember that tough choices are inherent in football management.
Guardiola should not have to apologize for substituting De Bruyne if he felt it was necessary for the team. Maintaining a meritocratic approach is crucial in fostering a winning culture at Manchester City, and no player should be exempt from being substituted based on their performance.
Ultimately, Guardiola’s actions should be viewed in the context of fostering a competitive and disciplined team environment.
De Bruyne’s talent is undeniable, but no player should be above being substituted if it is in the best interests of the team. Guardiola’s decision-making should not be undermined, as it sets a precedent for accountability and commitment among all players, regardless of their reputation.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
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