Hidden reason why Manchester City midfielder Kevin De bruyne was absent during Man City vs. Real Madrid match clash at UCL

Pep Guardiola didn’t start Kevin De Bruyne against Real Madrid because he didn’t think the star player would be physically strong enough for the match at the Bernabeu.

Although De Bruyne wasn’t playing against Newcastle because of the trip to Madrid, he was still on the bench for the must-win Champions League game even though Erling Haaland was also there.

Even though City needed goals to make a miracle comeback, the Belgian didn’t come on in the second half. Instead, he warmed up on the field after the game. And Pep Guardiola has said that the choice wasn’t based on concern for De Bruyne’s health, but on strategy. This makes people wonder where De Bruyne fits into the manager’s plans.

“No [harm].” Choices. When asked about his choice of players in Madrid, Guardiola said, “My decision.” “He plays in Madrid at home.” He can definitely play those games.

“My relationship with Kevin is unique. What he’s done for me, the team, and everyone else is amazing. It’s only a choice. In most cases, I don’t talk to the players. And not just for Kevin. Anyone, explain why they play. Once I decide to let them play, they don’t ask me why. This happens both before and during the game. It’s only a choice. Few reasons for what I’ve seen. As a result, it’s never personal. The player Jeremy Dok also didn’t play. I think his last game was in Ipswich Town, and he played amazing. And the next game, he got hurt in the 17th minute.

“But maybe we need to get better at controlling the ball instead of going up and down more because of how we need to play now that we’re not strong enough physically and in other ways.” Please do not explain. So it’s not about you. Just me making choices. No more than that, then.”

It will be a red flag for a player who is out of contract in the summer if Guardiola says that De Bruyne’s size and strength are a problem in his plans to get City back on track.