Manchester City's players made their way to winning their fifth consecutive, and seventh in eight seasons, English champion title very complicated. This happened after their Sunday away defeat in the blockbuster series against Liverpool 0:2 (0:1). The team led by coach Pep Guardiola is only fifth in the Premier League table and is already eleven points behind leaders Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola has a conflict with Manchester City's great star? “It's sad”
For Manchester City, it was the sixth defeat in the last seven games (four in the league, one in the League Cup and one in the Champions League). The team was not helped by Kevin De Bruyne recovering from injury. On the other hand, the brilliant 33-year-old Belgium representative has not been playing much lately. He appeared on the pitch as a substitute in the last five matches, but in total he only played 76 minutes.
Gary Neville, former legendary Manchester United defender, is surprised that De Bruyne plays so little.
– There are some interesting things in the Manchester City dressing room. The De Bruyne case is unusual, very strange. Why is arguably the Premier League's best player of the last 10 years not regularly on the pitch? We know he was injured, but he is a leader, an authority. He is confident, brilliant and has brilliant skills. I think there's definitely something going on in the locker room. Guardiola, however, has complete control over the club, has extended his contract and is probably just waiting for the next two transfer windows, admitted Gary Neville.
He was supported by Jamie Carragher, former legendary Liverpool player.
– There's something going on with De Bruyne. He has been the best player over the last five seasons. He doesn't start games and doesn't come on during breaks. There is something wrong between him and Guardiola. It's sad because we're talking about one of the best managers and best players in the Premier League. The Belgian's contract expires next summer. He had his problems, but something is wrong if he is not playing and he is fit and healthy, added Carragher.
Manchester City also has problems in the Champions League. Guardiola's team with eight points in five games is only in seventeenth place. Now Manchester City will play in the Premier League at home against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, December 4 (8:30 p.m.), and three days later (4 p.m.) away against Crystal Palace. On December 11, Manchester City will return to the Champions League – it will face Juventus away.