Kevin De Bruyne was a shock omission from the Manchester City starting line-up when Pep Guardiola named his team to face Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Supporters were quick to accuse Guardiola of unnecessary tinkering for a big match after De Bruyne bagged two goals and an assist in City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace on the weekend. But, speaking ahead of kick-off at the Bernabeu, Guardiola explained that he had no choice but to drop him to the substitutes’ bench.
“Vomit. He feels unwell,” he told TNT Sports. Asked if he could play any part, Guardiola added: “I don’t know. We made a meeting, he was ready and when we arrived in the locker room he started to vomit and feel unwell and he said: I'm not ready. Of course, it’s not good news, but it is what it is – another player is going to play and they are ready to play 90 minutes and everyone is going to help.”
De Bruyne has still been named on the bench but did not take part in the team’s pre-match warm-up on the pitch. His unavailability meant Guardiola made four changes from the starting line-up that faced Palace, with Rico Lewis, Julian Alvarez and Oscar Bobb also dropping out of the side.
Manuel Akanji, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic are the players to have come in, while Stefan Ortega has kept his place in goal, leaving usual number one Ederson to watch from the sidelines.
The absence of De Bruyne is a real blow after he scored two stunning goals against Palace. The Belgian playmaker brought up 100 goals for the club and was hailed by his manager post-match.
“The numbers, presence, consistency have been amazing,” Guardiola said. “He is one of the best players in the history of Man City. The goals, assists, the lot. What can I say? The first goal is unbelievable and so is the assist for Erling [Haaland].”
De Bruyne came in for Foden after he scored a hat-trick in the previous match and said: “I don’t expect to just be given my place. If I don’t perform well, I won’t play. Phil Foden has been amazing this season so deserves it but it keeps me on my toes.”
Vector007
567
KDB didn't play cos there was no Courtois..
Davichi
557
De Bruyne absence was obvious. City had a lot of the ball but didn't know what to do with it most of the time.
Aya67
476
Fans always know more than the coach
Nam_So
473
KDB will destroy Real Madrid at the Etihad
footballforeverr
404
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
Rodri plays shit what do you expect if the coach sub you in every match?
cuabcdekuy
365
I would like to to thank FIFA to switch off the time from starting by 22 hours down to 21 especial us in Southern Africa it's a good time keep it up FIFA do this from the start of uefa league up to knock out stages becoz we usually slept by 00:30 hours then 04:00 working up preparing to go to work. Thank you Pep Guardiola you are the best coach in the World you make Real Madrid to dance your tune yesterday do more in Etihad thank you.
francis_0426
199
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
dennisachafu
110
People talk about Haaland not scoring goal but they didn't know that Haaland brings more than a goal in every match that he didn't score. He was the reason why Madrid defenders were uncomfortable throughout the match. Rudiger in particular focused on Haaland and that gave other players the opportunity to score. Haaland brings stability to the team and whether you like it or not he remain a big threat to any team. This is what City has been lacking for many years. Now, they have a bulldozer who is ready to take the knock and allow his teammates to run in those spaces and score goals. Pep Guardiola knows this and that's why he keeps using Haaland in every important match.
Prince2100
10
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
But didn't Alvarez score the last goal for Man City against Madrid after he was subbed on the pitch last season?
Zihcinprty
10
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
alvarez scored 2 goals in world cup semi final, yes not a big match player 😅
Garp
8
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
Alvarez Big games player than Haaland, he already did in WC n Club WC n last year CL.. but u judge Álvarez performance after he only come in 87 minutes?? cmon bro.. KDB, Foden, Silva, Rodri n Álvarez will be more dangerous combinations
Destrothegoat
8
People talk about Haaland not scoring goal but they didn't know that Haaland brings more than a goal in every match that he didn't score. He was the reason why Madrid defenders were uncomfortable throughout the match. Rudiger in particular focused on Haaland and that gave other players the opportunity to score. Haaland brings stability to the team and whether you like it or not he remain a big threat to any team. This is what City has been lacking for many years. Now, they have a bulldozer who is ready to take the knock and allow his teammates to run in those spaces and score goals. Pep Guardiola knows this and that's why he keeps using Haaland in every important match.
Am giving you $2 for this statement
Vohabeiot
8
People talk about Haaland not scoring goal but they didn't know that Haaland brings more than a goal in every match that he didn't score. He was the reason why Madrid defenders were uncomfortable throughout the match. Rudiger in particular focused on Haaland and that gave other players the opportunity to score. Haaland brings stability to the team and whether you like it or not he remain a big threat to any team. This is what City has been lacking for many years. Now, they have a bulldozer who is ready to take the knock and allow his teammates to run in those spaces and score goals. Pep Guardiola knows this and that's why he keeps using Haaland in every important match.
You are wise. God bless you.
Barcamancity1
8
am I the only one who is thinking Alvarez and Halland are not big games match player.... where as other hand Bernardo silva, KDB, Foden, Rodri are
after introducing him at 85 minutes and you want wonders abi?