"3-0 loading", "We're so back" - Manchester City fans confident ahead of Forest clash as superstar returns to starting lineup
Manchester City fans expressed their optimism on X about a positive result in their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after Kevin De Bruyne's inclusion in the starting lineup. They will face off at the Etihad on Wednesday, December 4.
De Bruyne didn't start for City since he was forced off at halftime in their UEFA Champions League match with Inter Milan on September 18. Since the Belgian maestro returned from injury, he has been used as a substitute. His last appearance for the Cityzens was against Liverpool at Anfield after they trailed 2-0 in their Premier League clash on Sunday, December 1. He came on in the 79th minute.
He has fallen below his expected standards in the ongoing season, with one goal and one assist in 11 appearances across competitions. However, the Etihad faithful still highly regard De Bruyne as a player who can make a difference. After the lineup for Nottingham was released, Manchester City fans on X expressed their excitement about the player’s inclusion in the starting lineup.
One fan wrote:
''KDB STARTING 3-0 LOADING''
Another tweeted:
''We’re so back''
''Yesssssss KDB!!'' @Deji_mide wrote
''Back to business'' @MCI_Prince chimed in
''Nottingham Forest will regret their existence'' @LifeOfNapaul wrote
''KDB starting and Foden not starting? I feel like this is a W'' @GodlyRH opined
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola denies rumors of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rubbished rumors that he and Kevin De Bruyne are at odds. The Spaniard said that the Belgian midfielder would not solve City’s problems and also denied being at loggerheads with the latter.
Manchester City have not won any of their last seven matches across competitions— their worst run since 2008. Meanwhile, De Bruyne featured as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury.
Guardiola said (via TNT Sports):
"I'd love to have Kevin in his prime - 26 or 27. He would love it too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. He played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.
"But I always said, he himself will not solve our problems. Like Erling [Haaland] won't solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back. Hopefully, step by step the confidence will come back and we'll get the best of all of us."
He added;
"People say I've got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? I don't want Kevin to play? The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don't want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?
"He's delivered to me the biggest success to this club. But he's been five months injured and two months injured. He's 33 years old. He needs time to find his best. Like last season, step by step. He'll try to do it and feel better. I'm desperate to have his best."
De Bruyne has made 393 appearances for Manchester City, recording 103 goals and 170 assists.
