Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola, stirred reactions with his figurative statement on his relationship with Kevin De Bruyne after a 1-0 win against Leicester City.
Manchester City star signing and prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland, known for his explosiveness, missed out on Manchester City’s squad for the game against Leicester City.
Erling Haaland was unable to travel with Pep Guardiola‘s and the team to Leicester City as he continues to walk his way back to full fitness.
Hence, the Foxes’ defense had an advantage avoiding the threats of the Norwegian and former Borussia Dortmund forward.
Erling Haaland’s absence was glaring in the team as they dominated the Foxes but could not convert a slew of chances that came their way.
Haaland was out from the match due to an ankle injury and fever, giving Leicester that space to defend admirably and keep their opponents at bay.
This left the Guardiola-led team frustrated for significant stretches of the match.
However, there was light at the end of the tunnel for Manchester City after a barren first-half draw.
De Bruyne’s goal just after the break proved to be the game-winner. A superb set piece from the Belgian international beat Danny Ward of Leicester and sailed into the top-left corner.
After suffering a disappointing first League defeat to the Reds at Anfield, City has already won two straight league games.
They consolidated on their pursuit of the Premier League leaders Arsenal after they successfully defended the 1-0 lead against Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola was full of praises for the Belgian after his thunderous freekick earned the Spaniard a much-needed win.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Guardiola said he knows Kevin De Bruyne very well, revealing his deep relationship with the Belgian after seven years at Manchester City.
”We had seven seasons together, we have done everything except sleeping together I know he quite well”, the Spaniard said.
“We have had seven seasons together, so we have done everything except sleep together
“We have done everything, so I know him quite well.
“Nothing is going to change my opinion of him and what he’s done.
“Either for me professionally or the club, ” Guardiola said.
De Bruyne owes a lot to Guardiola, and vice versa, therefore he must be a big fan of the Belgian.
There has hardly ever been a duo as successful over such a long period of time as Guardiola and De Bruyne.
Since Guardiola joined the team, Manchester City has had tremendous success thanks to his desire and inability to be content, with Kevin serving as the pivot of the team.
Kevin De Brune’s teammates benefit from his continued appetite for growth and winning more titles.
Amidst that, Guardiola and Manchester City face a tough test this season. Apparently, they may have to wrestle with the resurgent Arsenal, not Liverpool, for the title race.
They will also be battling for the coveted Champions League trophy after narrowly losing out in the semifinals against eventual champions, Real Madrid.
The club is currently second on the Premier League table and is top of their Champions League group.
Despite suffering the first defeat to Liverpool this season, the team is certainly on top of their game, and Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity and De Bruyne’s magical skills have been critical.
