Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has shed light on his decision to substitute star player Kevin De Bruyne during the intense Premier League clash against Liverpool. Despite De Bruyne’s furious reaction to being replaced, Guardiola remains unfazed, stating that he is “happy” with the Belgian’s response.
What Happened at Anfield?
To set the stage, De Bruyne, a key playmaker for Manchester City, contributed an assist in the first half of the match, setting up John Stones’ opener with a well-placed corner. However, City’s momentum was soon interrupted when goalkeeper Ederson conceded a penalty, resulting in a goal for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the 50th minute.
As the game intensified and Liverpool began to dominate, Guardiola made a tactical decision. In the 69th minute, he substituted De Bruyne with defensive midfielder Mateo Kovacic, a move that surprised both fans and the player himself. This decision sparked a heated exchange between De Bruyne and the coaching staff, with the Belgian visibly expressing his frustration.
However, Guardiola, known for his unwavering management style, dismissed any notions of discord. He expressed his support for De Bruyne’s passionate reaction, stating, “I’m happy to see that. I like it if he’s upset, it’s good. He’s happy now.” Guardiola emphasized the importance of De Bruyne to the team, declaring, “We need him, and he is important.”
Guardiola’s Reasoning
Guardiola went on to explain the reasoning behind his decision to substitute De Bruyne. He described the atmosphere at Anfield as a “tsunami,” citing Liverpool’s relentless midfield pressure and their ability to create numerous chances in the second half. Guardiola believed that introducing Kovacic would provide City with the ability to retain possession and make extra passes against Liverpool’s strong pressing game.
“We started really well even before the goal and played with a huge personality,” Guardiola recounted. “After the first half, it was difficult because they have extra passers and quality to play. In the second half, in that stadium… you don’t have time. We gave away the penalty, and sooner or later, it feels like a tsunami! Oh my god, it’s coming for everybody, they have the ball and everything.”
Despite the challenges posed by Liverpool, Guardiola praised his team for their determination and their attempts to keep playing their style of football. He credited Kovacic, along with John Stones and Rodri, for providing the necessary quality and composure to retain possession even under immense pressure.
In conclusion, Guardiola’s decision to substitute De Bruyne during the match against Liverpool may have raised eyebrows, but the manager stands by his choice. He remains confident in the capabilities of his team and acknowledges the formidable strength of Liverpool’s pressing game. The clash at Anfield served as a testament to the intensity and quality of both teams, with Guardiola proclaiming Liverpool as the best team he has ever seen in terms of pressing.
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