Manager Josep Guardiola is preparing for Kevin De Bruyne’s last home game for Manchester City. The Spanish coach considers the Belgian, after Lionel Messi, the best passer he has ever worked with.
The 33-year-old De Bruyne will play his last home match for City against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening. The top club decided not to extend the midfielder’s expiring contract. The club icon has been playing for City since 2015 and has won six league titles and the Champions League with the club, among other things.
“It will be difficult to name a player who can pass the ball better than Kevin,” Guardiola said on Monday at a press conference. “Messi is number one. And then I would put Kevin in second place. Messi is the best, because he could also do it close to the opponent’s penalty area.”
“But Kevin comes close. He has been enormously decisive with his assists and goals. He has a unique talent. That is why he has become one of the best players in this club of all time. These are big statements, but Kevin is also a special player.”
Guardiola did not want to reveal whether De Bruyne is in the starting lineup against Bournemouth. “I will field my best possible team. But of course Kevin gets what he deserves. Without him, it would not have been possible for City to win so many prizes.”
Guardiola Expects City to Grab Cl Ticket
Guardiola is confident that his team can still secure a ticket for the Champions League after a mediocre season. The last time the club failed to do so was in the 2009/2010 season.
“We still need four points, that’s the goal. I have full confidence that we will qualify,” Guardiola said. City concludes the Premier League season on Sunday with an away match against mid-table Fulham.
With two games to go, City occupies sixth place with 65 points. Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa have one point more, but have also played one more game and have a worse goal difference.
The top five of the Premier League will play in the Champions League next year. Champion Liverpool and number two Arsenal are already assured of a ticket.