Pep’s City small in size but big on quality, says De Bruyne

LONDON: Kevin De Bruyne reckons Manchester City are small – but perfectly formed.

While their rivals have spent big on big players, the Etihad diddy men are head and shoulders above the rest.

Jose Mourinho brought three giants to Manchester United in Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Eric Bailly.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Mauricio Pochettino has also assembled a tall team.

But City boss Pep Guardiola was busy bringing in the likes of Nolito and Ilkay Gundogan to add to his mini-marvels.

And so far they are showing size does not matter with seven straight wins.

Sergio Aguero, at 1.7m (5’7”), David Silva, also 5’7”, and Raheem Sterling, just 1.68m (5’6”), have excelled. .

De Bruyne – who stands above many at 1.8m (5’11”) – says City are walking tall at the moment.

He said: “We’re not physically the biggest or strongest team but we will try our way.

“Look at how we play – we play smart and make it easier for ourselves.

“We are not a big team so if we played the long ball we would have a tough fight.

“For me with these players and this coach it is ideal. This is the way I prefer to play. “I have a different role but I feel great there. “It’s been very positive since the start of the season and everything is going well.”

City fans this week got their first view of new signing Ilkay Gundogan, who De Bruyne knows from his time in Germany.

The £20.3mil (RM109mil) man had an excellent home debut against Borussia Monchengladbach.

And his performance meant the impeccable Silva was hardly missed – some compliment.

De Bruyne said: “It is great when you see how Ilkay comes in, playing like he has always been there.

“We are not going to play the entire season with the same few players because we will have so many matches.

“It means we will get chances to rest – and that’s important.

“The coach’s signings have worked out well so far. He knows what a season in England is like.”

De Bruyne’s Belgian team-mate Vincent Kompany has been a big man for City over recent years.

Yet the defender, 30, has not played all season as he takes it slowly after a thigh injury.

De Bruyne added: “If you continue to win, you can wait with more certainty for Vinny.

“Maybe that’s better for the long-term future for him.” — The Sun, London