The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City has given rise to a huge controversy involving Pep Guardiola and his playing master Kevin De Bruyne.
Liverpool and Manchester City drew at Anfield on Sunday in the clash of 28e Premier League day (1-1). A crucial meeting in the race for the title which was not without suffering for the Cityzens, sometimes stifled by the intense pressing of the Reds. With the consequence in the coaching of Pep Guardiola, the premature exit of Kevin De Bruyne, from the 69e minute, in order to rebalance the debates.
“ I made this decision because I knew what we were missing. We couldn’t keep the ball. With him, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, we couldn’t keep the ball. And after it came out we were bettersaid the Catalan technician afterwards to the press. With Mateo (Kovačić), when he came on we were able to make extra passes. They are really strong in their pressing and counter-pressing, in this stadium it is not easy. But we never stopped trying to play. With Mateo, John (Stones) and Rodri, we then had the quality to play and keep the ball. »
“No problem” according to Guardiola
Still, Kevin De Bruyne experienced his recall to the bench as a humiliation, not failing to express his dissatisfaction when he left the field. “ No, he’s happy! There is no problem, take care to counter Pep Guardiola. Personally, I like it. If he’s upset, that’s fine.. (…) What can I say about Kevin? We need him. It’s really, really important. »
And to add regarding this tactical choice: “ It’s not about him. He tried. He was involved in the first half. He was incredible in all transitions, shots, corners, putbacks and many other things. We know it. But in the second half, when we conceded the goal, or when we gave it away, the match was not in our hands. I wanted to do something that would help us regain some control of the match. And that was the idea. Nothing more. »
