Pep Guardiola has admitted that replacing Kevin de Bruyne would be a major challenge for Manchester City should the Belgian midfielder leave at the end of his contract next summer. De Bruyne has been pivotal to City’s success, but injuries and age have added uncertainty to his future.
DETAILS:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola knows just how tough it will be to find a suitable replacement for Kevin de Bruyne should the midfielder leave next year. The Belgian star has been a cornerstone of City’s recent success since joining the club in 2015, contributing to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph during the 2022-23 season.
De Bruyne, now 33, has had an injury-hit season so far but recently returned to the starting XI against Nottingham Forest, marking his first Premier League start since August. His return brought a much-needed win for City after seven matches without victory. Despite his absence, De Bruyne’s role remains vital, and Guardiola has emphasized his importance to the club.
QUOTES:
When asked about the player’s contract situation, Guardiola was candid.
“I’m not involved in it,” the manager said regarding negotiations with De Bruyne.
“I would like to have him 23 years old and sign a contract for 10 years, this is what I’d like, we’ll see.”
Guardiola further stressed De Bruyne’s influence, calling him a player whose legacy at Manchester City would last forever.
“There are players for whom the impact on the legacy of this club will be eternal, will be forever,” said Guardiola.
While De Bruyne’s age and injury issues have caused questions about his longevity, Guardiola remains desperate to have the best version of the Belgian back in his team.
“He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured [last season] and two months injured [this season],” Guardiola explained.
“He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.”
Guardiola also brushed off recent speculation of a rift between himself and De Bruyne, stressing the player’s importance to the team.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play?” Guardiola said.
“The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?”
Guardiola’s comments reveal his commitment to getting De Bruyne back to his best while also acknowledging the difficulty of the situation should De Bruyne’s contract remain unresolved.
WHY CITY MIGHT FEEL HIS REPLACEMENT:
Kevin de Bruyne has been a driving force behind Manchester City’s dominance in English football and their recent European triumphs. His creativity, vision, and leadership have been unmatched, and while age and injuries are factors, his departure would leave a massive void at the club. Guardiola’s comments underline how much faith he still places in De Bruyne’s ability to deliver.
CITATIONS:
Pep Guardiola’s remarks on Kevin de Bruyne’s contract situation from his pre-match interview against Nottingham Forest.
Kevin De Bruyne’s history with Manchester City and his record-winning achievements.
Context provided by recent injury issues and speculation surrounding De Bruyne’s future.
KEEP IN MIND:
Kevin De Bruyne’s current contract expires at the end of this season.
Guardiola has repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping De Bruyne at his peak level of fitness.
Speculations about De Bruyne’s departure remain active, with no official decisions made yet.
