flag
back Back
Pep Guardiola backs Man City star Kevin De Bruyne after he makes brutal Belgium decision

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Manchester City's Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday and the Belgian star will also miss his country's upcoming Nations League matches

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with substitute Kevin de Bruyne
Pep Guardiola has sent a message to Kevin De Bruyne

Pep Guardiola has backed Kevin De Bruyne's decision to take a break from international football.

Manchester City star De Bruyne has asked for time off from Belgium duty in both October and November, so he can manage his schedule better. De Bruyne has missed City's last four games with a pelvic problem and will not be in the squad for Saturday's visit of Fulham.

The midfielder is desperate to work on getting fit again, and his self-imposed international exile comes just weeks after team-mate Rodri revealed players will go on strike if the football calendar is not reduced.

De Bruyne missed five months of last season with a ruptured hamstring, and Guardiola reckons the 33-year-old has made the right decision. He said: "He knows his body, everybody knows it.

"From experience, long injuries, after them you have to be careful. He had surgery and was five months out. When that happens, the body becomes unbalanced. He cannot play every three days. He decides for himself (what is best) and people have to understand it.

"They are humans, with many years injured. The consequences are here. How can he go (with Belgium) when he hasn't played one game. I never understood that. He cannot play with us, so he cannot play with Belgium."

Kevin de Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has asked for time off from Belgium duty

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco granted De Bruyne's request following a talk with his star player. Tedesco said: "I had a long phone conversation with Kevin. He has asked to skip this camp and also November, to be able to take care of his body.

"The schedule has become even busier due to the World Cup for clubs. That is why he is not there now and in November. But when it really counts - the World Cup - he will be there."

The visit of Fulham will see Kyle Walker make the 400th Premier League appearance of his long career. Walker struggled to find his best form during England's run to the final of Euro 2024 in the summer, and was left out of the last Three Lions squad.

BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Kyle Walker of England during the EURO match between Spain v England at the Olympiastadium on July 14, 2024 in Berlin Germany (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Kyle Walker has been recalled for England's Nations League matches

But he has been recalled for the October internationals, and Guardiola admits the 34-year-old remains as important to him as ever. He added: "He has to play, like I said many times.

"The players here that have been seven, eight years together, they demand to play, because of what they have done in the past. That is part of history, so perform well right now. This is all that counts."

You may like

Roberto de Zerbi has just proven Todd Boehly right over Enzo Maresca Chelsea manager decision

football.london 4 hours ago

Bayern Munich drop first major hint over Harry Kane Tottenham transfer return

football.london 2 hours ago

Chelsea legend 'favourite' to land shock new Coventry City job after Mark Robins sack

coventrytelegraph.net 6 hours ago

I made over 400 appearances for Arsenal, but I want Chelsea to end their title hopes

arsenalinsider.com 6 hours ago

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sends wordless message after Enzo Maresca snub amid Chelsea struggles

football.london 6 hours ago

Chelsea star Moises Caicedo expecting first child with model and long-term girlfriend Paola Salaz

goal.com 6 hours ago

Brentford branded the Premier League's 'most exciting team' after Wissa wondergoal

dailystar.co.uk 59 minutes ago

Troy Deeney admits he really regrets what he said to Kyle Walker after recent Man City defeat

manchestercity.news 3 hours ago

Five key talking points for Sunderland after Coventry City including quadruple player blow

sunderlandafc.news 54 minutes ago