PEP QUASHES TALK OF DE BRUYNE’S EXIT
AFTER days of speculation and false reports that claimed Kevin de Bruyne may be on his way out of Manchester City and close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that their star midfielder is not going anywhere. “Kevin isn’t leaving,” Guardiola declared. “If someone leaves, we’re going to talk about that. Of course, until the last day (of the transfer window) we have chances (to make transfers), and I don’t rule it out the option to have new players but I think there is an 85.90% chance we will have the same squad.”
De Bruyne has often been hailed as one of the best midfielders in English Premier League history. The Belgian joined the Citizens in 2015 and went on to completely dominate the League.
Over the course of the past nine seasons he has scored 68 goals and provided 114 assists, making him the second-highest assist provider in Premier League history – only behind Ryan Giggs (162).
“I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced and the quality is there. But we’ll see. I don’t know in the last moment if someone comes for some players and they leave, we’re going to decide,” said Guardiola.
Manchester City are currently on their US pre-season tour and will play against Scottish side Celtic tomorrow. They will then turn their attention to AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea, who they face in the build-up to the new season.
City will start the new season against bitter cross-town rivals Manchester United in the FA Community Shield on August 10. Their first league match will be against Chelsea a week later at Stamford Bridge.
Guardiola, meanwhile, also admitted he is a huge admirer of talented midfielder James McAtee, who rejoined the club after a successful loan spell at Sheffield United.
Said the 53-year-old: “I am curious to see Macca, especially after coming back from Sheffield United.
“We have a high opinion of him. I would love to have him next season with us – he can play in the small spaces in the pockets.
“I think he grew up in terms of physicality and has played for a team fighting relegation and when you do this you get something special.