De Bruyne fires title message to Liverpool as Man City ramp up pressure at top

31 January 2024 , 22:50

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De Bruyne fires title message to Liverpool as Man City ramp up pressure at top

Kevin de Bruyne promised title rivals Liverpool a “fight to the end” as Manchester City kept up the pressure on the Premier League leaders.

De Bruyne started his first game since the start of the season as City – who also welcomed back star striker Erling Haaland - won comfortably to stay five points behind Jurgen Klopp's side with a game in hand. City striker Julian Alvarez marked his 24th birthday with two first-half goals, with midfielder Rodri adding a third less than a minute after the restart.

De Bruyne, who set up Alvarez for his second goal, said City are determined to make history by becoming the first side to win four Premier League titles in a row. “It’s a feeling that if we lose, we’re getting too far behind,” said De Bruyne. “We have to win.

“If we'd lost today and Liverpool won, then they’re far away. We just keep plugging away, trying to win and hopefully we come a little closer to them and fight to the end."

City boss Pep Guardiola praised De Bruyne's contribution after such a long injury lay-off, saying: "It's a long time, five months, that he didn't play. He has come back with energy. He played really, really well. Him and Erling are going to help us in this part of the season."

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De Bruyne was in the thick of the action as City beat Burnley (Getty Images)

Guardiola also praised Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, repeating his belief the former City captain will one day take over at the Etihad Stadium.

“Vinny, sooner or later, will finish here,” said Guardiola. “I have the feeling that he will finish here. He's already a big manager, with what he did last season with Burnley. You can see the ideas they have, the way they try to defend. I like what he does."

David McDonnell