Pep Guardiola believes a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne can provide a huge boost to his team.
Our Belgian playmaker was only able to make appearances here and there as he struggled to recover from his injury and was sidelined for two months before appearing as a substitute in the last three matches
Against Spurs, De Bruyne came on for the final 20 minutes and made several key passes in the final third.
Guardiola said De Bruyne was constantly embarrassed – until last weekend – and was now hopeful he could continue his season.
“Kevin is fighting and training more than ever,” Guardiola said.
“He is no longer 24, 25, 26 or 27 years old, he is now of a certain age. Last season he was out for five months. »
“The last game, before Spurs, he came to me and said it was the first day he hadn’t felt anything in months. »
“That’s the main thing, you can be ready for 90 minutes. The only thing I ask of Kevin is not to suffer. »
“Play and train in good conditions. Kevin is unique and of course he can bring us something.”
Guardiola also admitted that KDB’s future at City would depend on the player himself.
The manager said De Bruyne would only want to play for City if he could give his best.
“Kevin will be honest,” Guardiola said.
“He wants to finish here this season, or next, or the one after that, but he will want to be here at his best. »
“He won’t want to be here if he thinks he can’t be the Kevin who produces and helps the team like he has over the last ten years. »
“He will decide what is best for the team. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to be where he can’t be the best Kevin he can be.”
The boss was also asked about the age of his team and whether that could be an explanation for our recent losing streak.
The Catalan replied that this was not the case: “It depends on the performance. There are players who are over 30 years old and who perform incredibly well. »
“There are 23-year-old players who play less well. It depends on performance, that’s the reality. »
“We are not getting results because of the age of the players. A few months ago we won and the players were the same age. »
“It’s not a big difference. At the end of the season, I will analyze the situation. Now I can’t analyze. I’m here, but if I don’t perform well, I won’t be here anymore. »
“Our standards are there and we must continue to respect them. Of course we can have a drop. Name me a team that has never been known before. »
“I want to defend what we did because I know these guys. I have never blamed a player since I have been here. »
“There are a lot of factors. If I could say that the reason is this, I would accept it. »
“Now the most important thing is not the tactics but to show the desire, to win the match and everything will be better. »
