Guardiola optimistic of KDB to hit top gear in build up to the Manchester Derby

Manchester City have been very ‘uncharacteristic’ lately losing consecutive matches against West Ham and Crystal Palace in a comprehensive manner.

Though several players have gone under the scanner, the deprecated form of City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has rung alarm bells at the Etihad.

"In the post-match press conference of the Crystal Palace fixture, City boss Guardiola stated that"

"“About the playing or the rest is my decision because I know a lot of information about what happens.But our standards as a team, individually and collectively,are so high.We know how difficult it is to mainfain it, but not just him(De Bruyne). Riyad,Raheem.. all the top players who helped us to win, to do what we achieved in the past.In seasons, there are highs and lows, big moments and places to be strong here and be positive and the next one is another challenge, another opportunity. This is what it is and Kevin knows it.He has done more than good since he arrived here and he wants to continue to do it. The problem is when he gives up and says it doesn’t matter.”"

Source: MEN

De Bruyne has been the ace of Skyblues midfield, marshaling the troops for several seasons ever since his debut in City colors.

The 31-year-old though has a stern task ahead of him, when Manchester City faces arch-rivals Manchester United at the Old Trafford on matchday 11 of the English Premier League.

However, Pep Guardiola is assured of his “Complete Player” delivering in the crunch fixture, which will be crucial for the defending champions to get their campaign back on track. The performance of KDB is going to decide the match especially with his matchup against United’s Bruno Fernandez and Paul Pogba.

City will be gutted to miss the services of Ayemic Laporte, who’s on a 1-game suspension.Based on current form United tend to have the edge, but expect Guardiola’s men to come well adept to the Red devil’s backyard.