The mood is low among Manchester City fans. Their side’s poor form continues after a 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Monday, with club legend Kevin De Bruyne once again a talking point.
Though so often a positive talking point, Kevin De Bruyne has quickly become the figure of debate with the Manchester City captain having lost his way somewhat, amid this current downfall at the Etihad Stadium.
Now 33 years old and out of contract in the summer, it’s looking like these final few weeks of the 2024/25 Premier League season will be the Belgian’s last, at least in a City shirt, with a summer move elsewhere surely beckoning.
On Monday, Man City were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in a game that proved to be, on the whole, quite easy for the league leaders, who are now a whole 20 points ahead of 4th place City in the Premier League table.
And throughout the game, Man City fans voiced concerns about De Bruyne who looked leggy throughout.
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Pep Guardiola right about Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness levels after Man City vs Liverpool
Speaking after Man City’s Champions League defeat against Real Madrid earlier in February, Pep Guardiola was discussing his ageing City side, and specifically De Bruyne who he has thanked for hie nine years of service at the Etihad.
Guardiola explained: “We have to look at the reality. We have to sit down with the doctors, physios, the players, agents and be clear that some of them cannot play every month or two months playing every three days.
“This is the reality. There is one more year and then the World Cup. Already we have a lot of players who cannot sustain that like they have in the past, playing in different competitions and travelling without any problems.”
More specifically on De Bruyne, Guardiola said: “The relationship with Kevin De Bruyne is exceptional. I can’t be thankful enough for what he has done for me, the team, everyone. It was just a decision I made on what I have seen [to leave De Bruyne out against Newcastle United].”
Gary Lineker weighs in, says Kevin De Bruyne’s legs have gone at Man City
Fans and Guardiola aren’t the only ones who think De Bruyne is past his best now, in terms of fitness levels anyway. Speaking recently, Gary Lineker discussed Man City’s ageing players and after Alan Shearer suggested some of the players’ legs had gone, Lineker weighed in.
He explained: “Yeah, there’s probably De Bruyne, who wasn’t obviously on the pitch [against Madrid in the second leg], but possibly Bernardo Silva, most certainly Gundogan, 34 years of age. Kyle Walker left, obviously, but the experienced players. I think, I think there’s an element of truth in that.”
Now, Man City look set for a summer overhaul and De Bruyne looks like one of several first-team players who’ll be moved on, as Guardiola looks to usher in the next generation of City talents who’ll no doubt be well under the 30 years mark.
Next up for Man City is a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
