Pep Guardiola is prioritising Champions League qualification rather than the perfect send-off for the Belgian midfielder
Departing Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne may not be in the starting lineup for the club’s final home match of the season, Pep Guardiola has said. The club are focusing all efforts on securing a Champions League spot for next year, rather than setting the atmosphere for the perfect send-off.
City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad on Tuesday in what is almost certainly De Bruyne’s last home appearance in a City shirt. With his contract expiring next month and the club having made it clear that they would not offer him an extension, many supporters would have expected a sentimental start for the Belgian playmaker. However, Guardiola made it clear that emotions will not override a strategy to keep the club among the elite teams in European football.
“What Kevin wants is that we win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season,” said the City boss. “That is what Kevin wants. It cannot be otherwise. I’m going to decide the best so that we can have the best chance to win the game against Bournemouth.”
The Sky Blues are fighting to lock in a top-three finish after a turbulent campaign. If City were to fail to make the Champions League, it would be the first time they haven’t featured in the competition since the 2010/11 season. The club are already nursing the wounds of a disappointing loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, ensuring they would finish the season trophyless, the first occasion that has occurred since Guardiola’s first at the club eight years ago.
“We have been in [the Champions League] for the last 14 or 15 years and it is where we want to be,” said Guardiola. “But if we are not there it is because we don’t deserve it and we will play the Europa League.”
“But I’m thinking we’re going to qualify. I control my mind and I think that. The first step is to finish in third position in the Premier League and that is the main target.”
