‘Very odd’ – Sky Sports pundit ‘in shock’ over what happened to Kevin De Bruyne in Man City vs Napoli
Kevin De Bruyne experienced an extremely disappointing return to the Etihad Stadium as Man City faced Napoli in the Champions League.
De Bruyne left for Napoli following a decade with the Citizens during the summer, having not been offered a contract extension, and supporters were excited to welcome him back this season.
Man City were fresh off beating rivals Man United 3-0, with goals coming from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, which was desperately needed after back-to-back Premier League defeats.
Very few fans were willing to predict what would happen in a clash between Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, but Rob Earnshaw could not quite believe what he was watching on Thursday, 18 September.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo was handed an early red card, having scythed down Haaland just outside the penalty area, and nobody expected the following decision from Conte just five minutes later.
Kevin De Bruyne is sacrificed after Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s red card
De Bruyne made way after just 26 minutes, and given that he is one of the brightest sparks for Napoli, boasting two goals in his first four games, Earnshaw said: “I’m in shock from that,” live on Sky Sports News (18 September, 8:27pm).
“He’s their best player, and he knows it. It’s a slightly beautiful moment because the banners are up, and he got a full round of applause from everyone in the stadium.
“But that’s a very odd substitution from Antonio Conte. I can’t believe that. That’s very, very odd. Talk about going for a draw now. If I’m in a Man City shirt, I’d think they’re going for a draw, and that’ll bring up the energy.”
De Bruyne’s return to Man City ends in disappointment
Speaking about the same incident on BBC Radio 5 Live (18 September, 8:32pm), Michael Brown said: “What a shame for Kevin de Bruyne to be sacrificed after the red card.
“If it were in the 65th minute, it might’ve been a different decision, but these players have to be the most dynamic and fit to get anything from this game. What a shame for the game. I’m so disappointed.”
Brown has certainly spoken for every single fan in the Etihad Stadium. The talented playmaker gave so much during his decade-long stay in Manchester, so it is a very sad end for the Belgian.
He had barely been involved before being sacrificed, with Man City dominating possession, but no supporters would have been hoping for his night to end like this.