DE BRUYNE? IT’S ALL IN DE BRAIN
Pep: He’s one of the best when head is right
PEP GUARDIOLA believes there are few better players around than Kevin De Bruyne – but only when his head is in the right place.
De Bruyne was City’s standout player in their 4-1 demolition of Champions League holders and La Liga winners Real Madrid in Los Angeles.
The Belgium international set up three of City’s goals, as well as hitting the woodwork with a free-kick, as he ran the show at the LA Coliseum in front of 93,098 fans.
But Guardiola (hugging De Bruyne, right) revealed a hint of frustration with the £54million midfielder, admitting De Bruyne’s form is related to his mood and character.
“Since I arrived I think Kevin, when his mood is optimistic, he’s happy, quite well, he does performances like this,” said Guardiola.
“It’s difficult to find a player with his qualities. He runs and fights and moves and helps team-mates. It’s not easy to find that all around the world.
“He will fight, pass, assist and do many things. Hopefully he can be stable in that way.
“When his mood is positive like in the last three weeks, he is able to do whatever he wants.” The City boss also reserved praise for goalkeeper Ederson, a £35m summer arrival from Benfica, who made a series of key saves.
Ederson had a debut to forget in City’s 2-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester United in Houston, but confirmed his quality in the victory over Real. “It’s important for him,” said Guardiola. “We knew his quality, but when you make performances like he did today, it helps us a lot.
“He’s young, but sooner or later he will become the national goalkeeper for Brazil. That means a lot. “He makes many saves. With the ball at his feet he has the patience and the quality to read many situations. He turned in a good performance.”
Guardiola also revealed new £49.5m French defender Benjamin Mendy will not be fit for the new season, along with long-term absentee, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
“Mendy had a tough injury, a muscular injury,” added Guardiola. “He’s still injured. He needs two or three weeks.
“We don’t want to take a risk because he’s explosive, such a fast guy. He needs to be OK.”