Manchester City tactician Pep Guardiola did not force Kevin De Bruyne to play in the early minutes because he was still recovering from injury, last match against Newcastle United De Bruyne sent in at 69th minutes and Pep Guardiola give him left 20 minutes for playing to protect from injury.
Still need time for De Bruyne get regular position although he has adapt well on first match after recovering from injury,
I think Pep Guardiola won't with Kevin De Bruyne will get injury again and have absent for longer time. Have more patience for Kevin De Bruyne with his condition fit 100% and already for playing until 90 minutes.
Guardiola is a very experienced coach. So even though the match against Newcastle is very important, he did not put De Bruyne in the starting XI. Because now if De Bruyne faces injury again then Manchester City will face big problem. Because Haaland is not in the squad due to injury. Guardiola desperately needs De Bruyne right now.
De Bruyne should perform very carefully in the upcoming matches. The opponents are not strong in the upcoming matches of the Premier League. So Guardiola is unlikely to keep De Bruyne in the starting XI. Manchester City will play against Burnley, Brentford and Everton in the next three matches. Manchester City is expected to win all three matches. Since the opponent is weak. So maybe Manchester City can get 3 points even if De Bruyne is not in the squad.
Guardiola doesn't want to force one of his top players to play for too long. De Bruyne condition, which is still very vulnerable to injury, needs to be given space to prevent injury again. The big problem facing Manchester City is now starting to come to light, De Bruyne immediately stepped on the gas after being played as a substitute when his team played against Newcastle. His presence immediately changed Manchester City game, he managed to become a key player in his team victory by recording one goal and one assist.
Guardiola will wait for the right time to include De Bruyne in the starting XI, he will have a positive impact on Manchester City in the next match. Liverpool must be more wary of Manchester City, the increase in strength of their rival after De Bruyne returned to the squad will pose a threat to them in their pursuit of the EPL trophy this season.