Pep Guardiola has said that he liked it as Kevin De Bruyne was upset after he was substituted off in the Premier League game against Manchester City on Sunday, March 10.
Guardiola made these comments in a post-match press conference after the anticipated Liverpool versus Manchester City clash that kicked off on Sunday evening.
Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off in the 69th minute for Mateo Kovacic when the game was at 1-1. De Bruyne was visibly displeased with the decision, seeming to argue with Guardiola when he came off and even refused to hug him.
De Bruyne had provided the assist that gave Man City the lead on the day, whipping in a superb cross that found the head of John Stones.
Guardiola has defended his decision, saying that the decision was not about De Bruyne, but to get some control of the game back, adding that the game was getting away from him (Guardiola).
He also reiterated that De Bruyne is important for Man City and was great in the first half of the game. He said he understood De Bruyne’s need to play football, but that his decision to take him out was to help the team. He added that the team regained some control of the game after the substitution was made.
De Bruyne got injured in the first league game of the season and was out until January. Despite being out that long, he now leads the club in assists (12).
