Definitely picking up one assist (for Chadli) against Estonia for Belgium, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne might still get awarded a second after the opposition goalkeeper fumbled his low cross, which Dries Mertens then slotted home.
However, speaking to the Belgian press after the game, Pep Guardiola’s attacking midfielder wasn’t too bothered about the statistics.
What he is bothered about is the criticism he gets from the press when he’s moved about by his manager to best fit the tactics chosen, especially if he doesn’t contribute as much offensively as in other games.
He told La Libre: “It’s the press that make a meal out of it. When I play higher up, you say Kevin’s better than when he plays deeper. When Kevin plays deeper, you say he’s less efficient than when he plays further up the field. You have to figure out what you want.
“If the manager wants to play me deeper, you have to accept I’ll be less decisive. What’s important is that we took this game seriously. Everyone took their responsibilities, and the match happened exactly like I predicted it would in the pre-match press conference.”
Seemingly getting frustrated, the player was quick to point out the local press always focused on the negative, which, this time, was their lack of end product in front of goal, even if they did end up winning 2-0.
Still, the Manchester City forward now gets to go on a well-deserved holiday, before returning to the north of England to start preparing for next season alongside a few new faces.
He said: “I had a great season. I know the club count on me a lot. I feel their trust. I know I won’t play 100% of the games. Every player has cost €40m, 50m or 60m. Sometimes, there’s need for rotation, but I’ve played a lot the past two seasons.”
Following the club’s transfers, De Bruyne expects City to make more than the two already completed, knowing the board will want them done before the group reconvenes later on this summer.
First, however: holidays.
