Pep Guardiola reveals why he subbed Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian star fumed at his boss for being taken off early during Man City’s draw at Liverpool

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the reason why he removed Kevin De Bruyne during the 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

The 32-year-old midfielder had an unusually quiet evening at Anfield, with the defending champions under intense pressure from Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Guardiola opted to change things in the 69th minute, replacing De Bruyne with Mateo Kovacic and the Belgian did not seem to be very happy with the change.

The pair became caught up in a lively exchange as De Bruyne headed to take a seat on the bench and continued to show his annoyance in the minutes that followed.

Guardiola was asked about the incident after the match and said: “I’m happy to see that!” I like it if he’s upset, it’s good. He is happy now.

The Belgian midfielder was substituted in the second half and angered coach Pep Guardiola.

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“I knew what we were missing: we didn’t have the ball. After (he left) we did better. But listen, Kevin… what can I say about Kevin? We need him and he’s important.’

In a vibrant encounter, Liverpool and Manchester City were inseparable and were forced to share the points when Alexi Mac Allister’s second-half penalty canceled out John Stones’ opener.

Guardiola described playing at Anfield against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool as “like a tsunami”, after the Reds inundated Manchester City with waves of chances in a 25-minute period in the second half to stop Liverpool’s control of the match. the Champions.

“We started very well even before the goal and we played with enormous personality,” said the Catalan. “After the first half it was difficult because they have (Wataru) Endo and (Alexis) Mac Allister, so they have extra passers and quality to play, whereas before it was more direct.

‘In the second half, in that stadium… you don’t have time. We take the penalty and sooner or later, for 15 or 20 minutes, it seems like a tsunami! My God, it’s coming for everyone, they have the ball and everything.

Guardiola described playing at Anfield against Jurgen Klopp’s team as “like a tsunami”

“But after we had Mateo (Kovacic, substitute in the second half), especially when he came on, we were able to make extra passes. They are very strong in pressing and counterpressing, in this stadium it is not easy. But we never stop trying to play .

‘With Mateo, John (Stones) and Rodri, we had the quality to play and keep the ball. We had our opportunities, they had theirs. “We want to keep the ball, but sometimes you can’t, but they are the best team I have seen in pressing.”