Pep Guardiola explains Kevin De Bruyne’s absence in Real Madrid clash

Manchester City’s boss, Pep Guardiola, has explained reason for the absence of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in City’s starting XI against Real Madrid.

Guardiola disclosed that De Bruyne was sidelined due to illness, as he was experiencing vomiting before the Champions League match.

He said, “He feels unwell. We made a meeting, he was ready, and when we arrived, in the locker room he started to vomit and he said: ‘I’m not ready’.”

Consequently, Mateo Kovacic was called up as a last-minute replacement in the starting lineup, while De Bruyne retained a place on the bench.

Kovaci went on to fill the shoes of De Bruyne in the match, helping City in the 3-3 encounter at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.