Manchester City cruised to victory over Real Madrid, securing their place in the Champions League final. However, tensions rose between Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola as they were involved in a heated exchange.
Guardiola, known for his demanding coaching style, expects high standards from his players, and De Bruyne, the Belgian midfielder, bit back at his boss during the exchange. Despite the disagreement, the Blues managed to maintain their focus and secure a convincing win over the Blancos at the Etihad.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Premier League leaders swept their way to a 4-0 victory over the reigning European champions at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, allowing them to book a date with Inter in Istanbul on June 10. City made light work of overcoming Real, as they dominated throughout, but demanding coach Guardiola lost his cool with talismanic midfielder De Bruyne at one point during the second half as the Belgian playmaker squandered possession.
WHAT THEY SAID:
De Bruyne did not take kindly to the touchline input from his manager and was caught on camera screaming “shut up, shut up” back in the direction of the City dugout.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
On seeing De Bruyne deliver an angry response to the technical area and why he felt the need to deliver such advice in the midst of a heavyweight continental clash, Guardiola told Movistar: “At 2-0 we rushed a lot. Right after the break [Ilkay] Gundogan lost a ball, Kevin made three transitions that weren’t necessary and we rushed a lot when we had to do the opposite, sink them and turn them, sink them and turn them. But it’s normal. It gets close, you rush, and it has cost us more, although in general we have had an extraordinary game.”
WHAT NEXT?
Guardiola has questioned De Bruyne’s contribution to the City cause at times this season, but the 31-year-old remains an integral part of the Blues’ plans as they look to chase down a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 2022-23.