Imagine experiencing an injury right before achieving one of the greatest victories of your career! It’s difficult to put into words. However, Kevin De Bruyne had to endure precisely that as the Belgian suffered a hamstring injury during the final of the UEFA Champions League last season. The star player was devastated as he left the field, much to his disappointment. Nevertheless, the midfielder displayed his determination by recovering from his injury in just two months, only to suffer the same injury in the very first game of the current season! It’s undeniably cruel, isn’t it?
After returning from his lengthy injury last month, the midfielder seamlessly picked up where he left off. However, De Bruyne hasn’t completely moved past his time away due to the hamstring injury. Additionally, he expressed his frustration with the congested fixtures in Manchester City’s film that revolves around his injury and comeback.
De Bruyne stated, “When you have matches every three days, people don’t necessarily understand the challenges. There’s simply no time to focus on other aspects because you’re constantly transitioning between playing and recovering. I’ve been doing this consistently for 14-15 years, especially in the last decade.”
He continued, “I’ve participated in the European Cup and national team matches. So, I’ve never had the opportunity to rest or work on areas that I probably needed to improve.”
De Bruyne isn’t the only player who has voiced frustration regarding the increasingly demanding schedule. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola have also expressed their discontent in previous interviews. The duo is displeased with the grueling timetable. However, despite the challenges, De Bruyne continues to perform at an exceptional level for City!
Since his return from the hamstring injury, the Manchester City superstar has been in outstanding form. De Bruyne has made eight appearances for the treble champions, contributing two goals and seven assists. His comeback has also provided the Cityzens with an added advantage in their attacking prowess, as the team remains undefeated in their last twelve matches across all competitions.
While fans were uncertain if De Bruyne could maintain the same level of performance after his return, it’s safe to say that the midfielder appears to be as brilliant as ever. Manchester City carries significant expectations on their shoulders and will aim to once again make a statement with their playmaker back in action. Do you believe Pep Guardiola’s side can replicate their achievements from last season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
According to the Source essentiallysports.com