Kevin De Bruyne recently opened up about the challenging period he has experienced, both personally and as a member of the Manchester City squad. Following a decisive victory that ended a frustrating four-match winless streak, De Bruyne’s contribution on the pitch was pivotal in restoring some much-needed confidence to the Premier League champions. The Belgian international expressed relief at being able to participate in the match after making his first league start since September, emphasizing the importance of turning the tide for both himself and the team.
Reflecting on his personal struggles, De Bruyne candidly stated, “It’s not been a nice period for me.” He appreciated the chance to be back on the field and highlighted the immediate impact he felt during the game. The midfielder acknowledged the difficulties faced in recent weeks, stating, “It’s been a tough time, but you have to accept the challenge and I think we did well today.” This sense of resilience is crucial, especially as Manchester City aims to defend their title amidst increasing pressure in the league.
De Bruyne’s injury issues, which plagued the beginning of his season, have been described by him as “a mystery and a puzzle.” Speaking with BBC Sport, he shared his ongoing recovery process. “I’m getting better slowly,” he noted, highlighting his ability to log significant minutes without adverse effects. Despite speculation regarding his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne was quick to dispel any notions of a rift, affirming, “There have never been issues between me and Pep. He knows I’ve been struggling.” His focus remains on regaining full fitness, as he continues to work diligently to get back to his best.
The sheer impact De Bruyne has on Manchester City is underscored by an impressive statistic: the team has remained unbeaten in their last 31 Premier League matches where he has featured, with 26 wins. De Bruyne recognized his role in providing stability and composure during games, particularly in high-pressure situations. “Obviously it’s been a difficult spell, and maybe they look towards the older guys to bring a bit of calmness to the game,” he explained, alluding to the responsibility experienced players carry in such moments.
Throughout the match, De Bruyne observed the contributions of his teammates, particularly Jack Grealish, who provided energy and control, and the collective effort from the squad. He praised the blend of talents available to the team, noting how different styles, including the electrifying presence of Jeremy Doku, contributed to a successful outing. Reflecting on their overall performance, he felt that they managed well given the circumstances they faced.
While De Bruyne is aware of the competition—including the challenge posed by Liverpool—he remains focused on steady improvement rather than premature predictions. “It’s not the moment to look at that,” he remarked, emphasizing the current focus on laying the groundwork for success. The Premier League is becoming increasingly competitive, with every team capable of taking points from one another. De Bruyne reiterated the need for Manchester City to refine their game before assessing their standing in the league in the coming months.
Guardiola also praised De Bruyne’s performance in the game against Nottingham Forest, noting his significant influence, especially during the first half. “He was excellent,” said the manager, highlighting how integral De Bruyne is to their strategy whenever fit. Guadiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s longstanding impact since his arrival from Germany, underscoring the connection he brings to the team’s style of play.
Looking ahead, Manchester City faces Crystal Palace on Saturday, before traveling to Turin to face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League the following Wednesday. The matches hold significant weight for the club as they strive to regain their momentum and aim for success on both domestic and European fronts. The resilience of players like De Bruyne will undoubtedly play a critical role in their pursuit of glory in the ongoing season.
