Pep Guardiola challenged Kevin De Bruyne to step up another level despite his important goal as Manchester City beat Brighton in the Premier League to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool. City looked back to their usual selves in the first half against Brighton, scoring twice through Erling Haaland, but the visitors came out strong after the break and deservedly got back into the game through Leandro Trossard. That set up a nervy few minutes, but De Bruyne settled the game with a lovely curling effort into the top corner to seal a 3-1 win. And Guardiola said after the game that De Bruyne still must improve, even though he settled any nerves with his superb strike against Brighton.
Pep Guardiola said: “He can be better. He’s not playing at his top level, Kevin, not yet. He makes a fantastic level but he’s not playing at his best. He knows, I don’t have to tell him. His dynamic still is not perfect. He knows that, I spoke with him. The goal is outstanding, thanks to him we didn’t suffer the last 15-20 mins.”
Guardiola also hailed Brighton’s approach under Roberto De Zerbi, saying De Bruyne’s ‘masterclass’ goal was a huge turning point in the game – as was Riyad Mahrez’s miss moments before Trossard got Brighton back into the game.
Pep Guardiola continued: “In the first half the game was really good. In the second half we allowed them to play, they have a process that is outstanding. A big admirer for Roberto and the way they want to play. The players feel in locker room. The turning point in second half, Riyad has a big chance, normally he doesn’t miss, it’s football. Then we concede. Emotions are there. In that moment they were better. Kevin makes a masterclass action.”
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