Pep Guardiola delivers injury update on Kevin De Bruyne after Man City win vs Bayern Munich
Pep Guardiola has dispelled any concerns about Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness following Manchester City Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.
The Belgian was replaced in the 68th minute of the 3-0 victory, shortly after receiving treatment on the sidelines for an injury he had sustained.
Erling Haaland even dropped deeper for a few seconds to assist City’s shape off the ball as De Bruyne continued to struggle to press with his usual vigor.
However, when De Bruyne was immediately replaced by Julian Alvarez, City’s no. 17 appeared frustrated by Guardiola’s decision. Guardiola responded, “Tactical decision. Julian for him.” when asked after the game to clarify his thinking.
“I saw the performance and took the decision. In that moment we needed extra energy from Julian. I am here to take the decisions and it is my biggest quality.”
Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland scored goals in the first leg of City’s Champions League quarterfinal victory, and Guardiola praised one of his goal scorers in particular after the game.
“Bernardo is a football player, he can play everywhere because he understands the game perfectly and every action with and without the ball,” said the City boss. “When [Alphonso] Davies starts to go you cannot stop.
“Bernardo has the ability to read the positions, give us an extra pass. He’s so important in these types of games, he can play holding midfielder. He’s so, so important player and lately he’s scoring goals, which he lacked a little bit, now he’s being decisive.
“He’s a player who you say is going to play in that position and you don’t have to say anything else. I’ve been lucky to coach some very good players for Barca and Bayern. He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my life, ever, he’s something special as a football player.”
Silva made his 42nd appearance of the season on Tuesday at the Etihad; Rodri is the only City player to have made more appearances. Additionally, it was Silva’s fifth goal of the season, and he assisted on City’s first goal against Bayern.
Pep Guardiola delivers injury update on Kevin De Bruyne after Man City win vs Bayern Munich
