Kevin de Bruyne hails Pep Guardiola's influence in Manchester City's UEFA Champions League triumph

Manchester City was in trouble after the end of the first half against Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Marquinhos had scored the header in the 15^th minute. The likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were creating pressure. After the first half, Manchester City fought admirably. In the space of seven minutes, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne managed to help Manchester City take the lead. De Bruyne scored his seventh goal in the UEFA Champions League knockouts and he led by example.

Speaking to BT Sports after the end of the match, de Bruyne hailed the advice of Pep Guardiola during the break. De Bruyne said Guardiola’s advice had helped them turn their fortunes around in the match which they seemed to have lost. “Just play a little bit more with the ball. The first half, we were a bit too rushed, trying to go forward too quickly and that’s not the way we are set up as a team. In the second half, we tried to find space more patiently. They’re a tough team to play against. The progression we made as a team was good,” de Bruyne said. 

Kevin de bruyne’s selfless act

It was de Bruyne who scored the opening goal that gave Manchester City the breathing space. Marhez doubled the advantage. The loss for Paris Saint Germain at Parc des Princes continued their horror run at home where they have lost games to Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. 

On the two goals, de Bruyne said that he let Mahrez take the second goal. “It set up in a perfect position. It’s so difficult for the goalkeeper because he expects someone to touch it. We kept going and with the second goal Riyad is good for us. He asked me if he could take it and I said: ‘Yes, if you believe in yourself’. He scored” de Bruyne said. 

Manchester City will host Paris Saint Germain on May 4 for the second leg of the semi-final. They will be hoping that they can reach the final for the first time in decades.