De Bruyne not concerned by Champions League failure

Manchester City only failed to win the Champions League this season, but Kevin De Bruyne will not be dwelling on that disappointment.

Published : May 20, 2019 10:04 IST

Kevin De Bruyne is not bothered about Manchester City's Champions League failure, adamant every team would want to be in its position after clinching an unprecedented domestic treble.

City crushed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus netting braces while De Bruyne and David Silva also scored in the rout at Wembley Stadium.

Its success on Saturday followed on from Premier League and EFL Cup triumphs, capping an immensely successful campaign for Pep Guardiola's squad.

The only trophy to elude City was the Champions League, having been knocked out by Tottenham in the quarter-finals.

READ | Messi equals Zarra's record with sixth Pichichi award

However, De Bruyne would rather focus on what it has won rather than the one that got away.

When asked if it was annoying City did not do better in Europe, De Bruyne said: "No, not at all.

"I think if everyone could take our situation, they would do it without blinking. You can't really think about 'what if' or what should happen.

 

"We lost in the Champions League, you take it on the chin and go further. The response we did afterwards is the way you should react. By winning the title and winning the FA Cup.

"I don't think in the start of the year you have the goal of winning three titles.

"You set up to be the best you can and in the end you have to reflect on what's going well and what's not.

"This year we can reflect on that we won three titles and got to the quarter finals of the Champions League and that's an incredible feat in itself."

ALSO READ | Guardiola: I'll be judged on Champions League record at Man City

City's exploits over the last two seasons has seen some suggest it is among the greatest English sides ever but while De Bruyne is flattered, he is not about to join the debate as he feels it is impossible to compare different generations.

"Luckily, I don't ever have to debate that," he said. "It's great to be in contention to be named with other teams.

"For me personally, it is impossible to compare generations, it is impossible to compare style of football.

"Football changes all of time like every other sport. It is great to be there, it means you are part of one of the best ever teams in the Premier League and that doesn't happen to a lot of people."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment