Pep Guardiola has admitted it's a 'pity' that Kevin De Bruyne was hooked early on his return to Manchester City following his side's 2-0 Champions League victory over Napoli on Thursday night.
The 2023 winners made a winning start to their European campaign, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku netting in the second half to secure all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
Prior to the clash, City fans had been eagerly anticipating a reunion with De Bruyne - who established himself as a club legend during his 10-year stint with the blue side of Manchester.
The Belgium international won six Premier League titles during that stint, while he also played a key role in their Champions League triumph two years ago.
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Last night, however, De Bruyne's return to City didn't go as planned.
Following a red card for Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the 21st minute, the veteran was hooked with Antonio Conte opting for a cautious approach that ultimately proved to be in vain.
De Bruyne was visibly frustrated after his withdrawal, with the 34-year-old getting a good reception from the City fans as he took his place on the bench.
And Guardiola has now revealed his sympathy for his former playmaker, with the Spaniard admitting it's a 'pity' that his return didn't last longer.
Pep Guardiola has admitted it's a 'pity' that Kevin De Bruyne was hooked early on his return to Manchester City following his side's 2-0 Champions League victory over Napoli on Thursday night
|PA
“I hope to see him after this. What Kevin did during these 10 years here, you cannot understand," stated the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.
“To win what we won without him would’ve been impossible. You saw the love the fans have for him today, it’s a pity he didn’t get to play more, but he got to feel that affection from the crowd.”
De Bruyne had actually wanted to stay at City.
However, he was unable to agree fresh terms with the club and ultimately opted to join Napoli despite also attracting interest from teams in Saudi Arabia.
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City were impressive on Thursday as they dispatched Napoli, with both Haaland and Doku shining as they put their Serie A rivals to the sword.
Guardiola was pleased with the way his team handled the contest, with the 54-year-old adding: “The goals [we scored] depend on the talent.
“Of course we have one more man in the middle. Phil [Foden] in that position is incredible. It’s quite similar the movement he has done to Jeremy with Erling against United.
“Jeremy in that position one on one against central defender over five metres, he is the fastest player and unstoppable.
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Erling Haaland scored his 50th Champions League goal in Man City's 2-0 win over Napoli
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"Over longer distances he may suffer a lot, but over short spaces, how fast he is!
“Always I encourage him to go and prove it and he made an incredible finish at the end.”
Napoli are the current Serie A champions, with Conte steering them to title glory last term to dethrone Inter Milan.
And Guardiola was impressed by what he saw from the Italian team, with the Spaniard admitting he was pleased his side were able to come through the match unscathed.
“The Italian teams with 10 men can defend every block," he said.
“How aggressive they are, I faced that many times in my career. We are really pleased.
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Jeremy Doku scored Man City's second goal in their Champions League win over Napoli
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“We could be more anxious, but it was the opposite and when we unlocked the door it was easier.
“I’m really pleased because I know how good Napoli are and how difficult Conte’s teams are to beat. I know from my past.”