On Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola revealed that Kevin De Bruyne is fit and available for selection ahead of Manchester City's Premier League game against Newcastle on Sunday, despite being substituted in the midweek defeat to Real Madrid.
De Bruyne did not put in one of his best performances as City suffered a heartbreaking Champions League exit, and was replaced by Ilkay Gundogan after 72 minutes. Many had assumed that the Belgian had picked up an injury, but Guardiola has said that the change was a tactical one.
At the time the substitution seemed justified, but some supporters believe that De Bruyne should have been left on the field due to his ability to produce something from nothing, much like Real Madrid's players did in the final moments. Once City had fallen behind, they missed De Bruyne's creativity and drive to get back into the tie.
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Here's what City fans on Twitter made of Guardiola's explanation of the decision.
@mcfcoli: Nothing wrong with this sub, he looked off it and we scored a minute later.
@MikeSnyder71497: If anyone was watching the match you realised De Bruyne was gassed. Smart move and Gundogan made an instant impact.
@ftblbyron: Two freak goals in the 90th minute were the difference between this being a tactical masterclass and "Pep is to blame". It was the correct decision to take him off. No one could have anticipated that.
@La_Cityzen: Well, he is not wrong. Gundogan did better than De Bruyne that day.
@Mcfchonest: That’s where he got it wrong. When Ancelotti took out his midfield and put all attacking players City would have finished them with De Bruyne and Mahrez on the pitch.
@Marcelo71438082: Never subbing your best player. What a mistake !!! De Bruyne's Presence Alone Scares Opponents!
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