Pep Guardiola explains why he dropped De Bruyne from Man City starting XI

[Oyedibu Fikayo Odunayo]

Pep Guardiola explains why he dropped De Bruyne from Man City starting XI
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.”