KDB: RALF’S MEN NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE
KEVIN DE BRUYNE taunted Manchester United after their derby mauling by claiming they lack the stamina to compete with their neighbours.
De Bruyne (above) scored twice and set up a goal in the 4-1 win as Manchester City took a huge step towards retaining their title.
Interim Reds boss Ralf Rangnick has tried to implement a high-pressing style, similar to Pep Guardiola at City and Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
But in a damning assessment of the United squad, De Bruyne suggested they do not have the required energy and fitness levels to sustain such an approach for the whole game.
“When you play a pressing style, it’s very hard to adjust to it, so maybe it seemed like they did give up a little,” said the Belgium international, who was subbed late on. “It’s very hard to do it for 90 minutes as a team.
“I was watching the last 10 minutes, it felt like they were a little bit out, so the spaces got a bit bigger.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say they gave up – it’s hard to say that.
“It might have looked comfortable but it’s hard work.
“United set up more pressing, they did it differently, but in the second half we found the spaces. We learned from our mistakes in the first half.”
City are top of the table with a six-point lead over Liverpool, although have played a game more.
The Merseysiders visit the Etihad Stadium on April 10 in what is shaping up to be a title decider, with the winners of that clash in pole position to be champions.
De Bruyne said: “Yeah it could be but it’s so far away. There’s a lot of important games in between.
“A lot can change between now and then. We can lose games or they can. So I’m not necessarily watching out now for that game.
“We push each other to be the best version we can be. All we can do as a team and as individuals is try to win every game. Hopefully in the end we’ll win it, but there’s still a long way to go.”
He revealed United-supporting pals were staying with him and joked they tried to sabotage his derby build-up.
“I had a load of friends come over from Belgium and three were United fans,” explained De Bruyne.
“They were trying to keep me awake all night, so I wouldn’t sleep the night before.
“Now I can go home and have a good laugh with them. It’s banter – but I’m obviously very happy.”