Pep Guardiola clarifies why Kevin De Bruyne was dropped in Man City loss
Sunday’s Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur was notable for the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne was named to the bench for the second time in City’s previous three Premier League games.
Why Pep Guardiola did not start the 31-year-old, who created more chances than any other player, is a mystery.
When asked about De Bruyne’s treatment, the City manager told Sky Sports (via City Report): “Definitely tactical.”
This season, the Belgian international has made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and registering 17 assists. De Bruyne was indispensable earlier in the season, but he has only started one of the last three league games for City.
De Bruyne was an unused substitute in City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham at home on January 19, played 77 minutes in their 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 22, and played 31 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham on January 26. (February 5).
The 31-year-old hasn’t scored since October and has only recorded two assists in his last seven league games, so Guardiola’s decision to bench him could be attributed to his lack of production.
On February 12, City will face Aston Villa, and De Bruyne should return to the starting lineup.
Pep Guardiola clarifies why Kevin De Bruyne was dropped in Man City loss
