Manchester City‘s performance this season has been full of ups and downs.The team has not been able to maintain its past dominance in the highly competitive Premier League.Manager Pep Guardiola is well aware of the problem and has begun rebuilding the team.However, this process seems to have come a little late – as early as two years ago, Manchester City should have started a large-scale lineup renewal plan.Today, this rebuilding is seen as a “late but necessary” adjustment.And in this change, Kevin De Bruyne, who was once considered the core of Manchester City, may have to leave the Etihad Stadium.
City’s current situation and the need for reconstruction
Over the past few years, Manchester City has undoubtedly been one of the most successful teams in the Premier League and even in European football.With a proven tactical system and a high-level player configuration, they have become the object of imitation by other clubs.However, with the passage of time, this style of play has been thoroughly studied by opponents, and it can even be said that there are “no secrets” left.For a top team that aims to remain competitive in the long term, it is obviously not enough to rely solely on the existing veterans to meet the increasingly fierce challenges.
This summer, Manchester City’s rebuilding process accelerated significantly.Pep Guardiola decided to comprehensively optimize the squad, especially clearing out the older core players.This is not because these players are not good enough, but because they can no longer meet the high intensity and pace of modern football.The cruel truth is that no matter how good someone is, when their physical abilities decline or they are no longer at the top of their game, they must make way for younger blood.This is the iron law of professional sports, and a rule that applies in any field.
De Bruyne’s role reversal
As one of Manchester City’s key players in recent years, De Bruyne has always played a vital role.His passing vision, precise footwork and big-hearted performances in key moments have helped the team win countless key matches.However, with age and accumulated injuries, the form of the Belgian midfielder has gradually declined.Although he is still able to display world-class standards in some matches, overall, he has difficulty shouldering the responsibility of leading the team.
In fact, not only is this the case with De Bruyne, but several veteran players, including Gündogan, are also facing similar problems.Their abilities are beyond doubt, but in the Premier League, a league that places such a high demand on physical fitness and technical ability, the slightest lapse can be the reason for defeat.Therefore, from a long-term perspective, Manchester City needs to add more young and energetic players to ensure that the team remains competitive in the next few years.
Guardiola’s attitude and choices
Pep Guardiola has expressed his respect for De Bruyne on numerous occasions, emphasizing that he is one of the players he trusts most in his coaching career.However, feelings are feelings, and the football world is merciless.In Guardiola’s eyes, the future of the team is more important than personal feelings.Therefore, even though De Bruyne has made great contributions to Manchester City, he cannot avoid the fate of being excluded from the rebuilding plan.
It is worth mentioning that Guardiola praised De Bruyne publicly many times after the end of the season, calling him a “true legend”.This is both an affirmation of his protégé’s many years of dedication and an attempt to make the latter’s departure more dignified.After all, no one wants to see a great player forced to fade into the background at the end of his career.
What’s next for De Bruyne?
So where will the 33-year-old De Bruyne go next? As an experienced player who still has some ability, he has several realistic options:
1.Join a mid-to-lower-tier team
For De Bruyne, switching to a mid-to-lower-tier Premier League team may be a more realistic option.Not only would this allow him to remain in a familiar league environment, but he would also get more playing time and keep his form up for next year’s World Cup.Although such a move may take him away from the title race, stability and health are the most important things for an aging player.
2.Look for opportunities in lower leagues
If De Bruyne wants to extend his career and earn more money, playing in a lower league is also a good choice.For example, the Major League Soccer (MLS) or the Qatar League are popular destinations for many retired stars.These places have less competitive pressure and also offer generous salary packages.
3.Focus on personal glory and historical status
Looking back at De Bruyne‘s career, he is undoubtedly a talented midfielder.However, he has never reached the heights he deserves in terms of individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or.Over the past decade, his ranking in the Ballon d’Or selection has mostly hovered around the top ten.The only time he has entered the top three is in 2022, when he ranked third.In contrast, players like Messi and Ronaldo frequently occupy the top spots on the list.This may be related to Guardiola’s coaching style, as the Spanish coach is used to changing formations and tactical arrangements in major competitions, with the aim of showcasing his coaching talent rather than simply relying on the players.
4.Explore a coaching or other career path
If De Bruyne is interested in coaching, he could also consider embarking on a coaching career.With his wealth of playing experience and tactical understanding, he is well-equipped to become an excellent coach.Alternatively, he could choose to work as a commentator or analyst, sharing his expertise with more football fans.
Guardiola’s coaching philosophy is controversial
It is undeniable that De Bruyne‘s success at Manchester City is inseparable from Guardiola’s guidance, but there are also some contradictions between the two.Italian star manager Capello once criticized Guardiola for being too keen to change formations in key matches, believing that this approach undermines the importance of the players.In other words, Guardiola hopes to prove that victory comes from his own wisdom, rather than simply relying on the abilities of the players, by constantly adjusting tactics.
Although this view is slightly subjective, it does to some extent reflect the current problems of Manchester City.Over-reliance on tactical changes may prevent players from giving full play to their own characteristics, thereby affecting their breakthroughs in personal glory.This is why De Bruyne, despite his great success in team achievements, has never been able to go further in individual honors such as the Ballon d’Or.
Conclusion
All in all, the news that De Bruyne is about to say goodbye to the Etihad is saddening, but it is also in line with the development of professional sports.For the Belgian superstar, it is time to think about his next step in life.Whether he continues to play football or transitions to other fields, we look forward to seeing his next chapter.Meanwhile, the rebuilding of Manchester City is still in full swing, and the arrival of a new generation of players will inject new vitality into the team.Readers are welcome to share your views in the comment section!
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