Pep Guardiola reveals Kevin De Bruyne started to vomit before Real Madrid vs Manchester City clash
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kevin de Bruyne was vomiting during the team meeting ahead of Manchester City’s clash at Real Madrid. The manager stated that it was the only reason why the Belgian was sitting on the bench today.
Speaking to the media ahead of the kickoff at Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne was not dealing with any injury. Fans were left worried as the former Chelsea man has missed a lot of matches this season due to hamstring issues.
The Manchester City eased the nerves and revealed:
“He feels unwell. We made a meeting, he was ready, and when we arrived, in the locker room he started to vomit and he said: ‘I’m not ready’.”
Mateo Kovacic was the replacement in the starting XI for Manchester City. The former Real Madrid man was back facing Los Blancos for the fifth time after facing them four times while at Chelsea.
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Pep Guardiola was devastated to see De Bruyne on the bench as the Belgian was expected to play a key role in the quarterfinals first leg. The manager was full of praise for the midfielder after his brace against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
He told Sky Sports after the 4-2 win over the London side:
“Ten years in Man City, the numbers, the presence, the consistency has been amazing. One of the best players in all our history of Man City. The first goal is unbelievable, the fourth is unbelievable. The assist for Erling. Really, really good. Today Kevin won the game. Without Kevin today, maybe we wouldn’t be able to win. We can talk about tactics but give me players like Kevin!”
Continuing to talk about the injury, he added:
“He’s been five months out. He’s had good moments in games back. After that he was not maybe at his best, that’s normal. A really, really special talent. He is mentally fresh, for sure. I listen to him on the bus, in the locker toom, train station, laughing. The body language dictates a lot how he is. All the players but especially Kevin.”
At the time of writing, Manchester City were 2-1 down to Real Madrid at half time. The Cityzens took the lead in the first minute via Bernardo Silva, but the home side hit back quickly.
Edouardo Camavinga had a shot deflected into the net via Ruben Dias, while Rodrygo did the same via Akanji to turn the tie around within 14 minutes of kick off.