Man City manager Guardiola leaps to defence of De Bruyne | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists Kevin De Bruyne has nothing to prove against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

City have been flying recently without De Bruyne in the side, with the Belgian having not started since November 6.

Guardiola says he will play against Leipzig - with City's knockout round passage secured - and defended the 29-year-old when speaking in his pre-match press conference.

"Kevin was growing in his physical condition and then he had the setback," Guardiola said.

"People who have suffered coronavirus, after they feel empty. Step by step he will play the minutes. Tomorrow he will start.

"Kevin played the season from the beginning. He arrived from Euros and last season, not in good condition and then had coronavirus

"We've got him back, fighting for a position like everyone. He doesn't have to show me anything, just to show he's back and himself. Do what he can do for the last five years. He's so necessary for the team. Bernardo and Gundogan know it, you have to be good for 90 minutes."