Liverpool fans believe they have unearthed the moment that Pep Guardiola decided to sub off Kevin De Bruyne on Sunday.
Guardiola hooked his playmaker after 69 minutes to regain some defensive control, which resulted in a heated argument between manager and midfield maestro.
Liverpool and Manchester City drew 1-1 in a potential title decider and De Bruyne had a subdued game before coming off.
The moment in question shows De Bruyne chasing Wataru Endo, getting shrugged off and turned by the midfielder, and throwing his arms up in anger. See 0.33-0.36 in the clip below.
Liverpool fans believe Wataru Endo’s performance is the reason Kevin De Bruyne was taken off
It has caused quite the stir on social media.
‘Endo is so good he made Pep sub De Bruyne,’ one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘Pep to De Bruyne: “You were in Endo’s pocket today. I had to take you off so he wouldn’t mistakenly take you home,”‘ another said.
‘Pep saved De Bruyne from Endo pocket,’ one commented.
‘Wataru Endo the reason Pep Guardiola had to take off Kevin De Bruyne,’ one said.
Another tried on their hat of tactical analysis: ‘Klopp’s decision to play Szoboszlai on the left of Endo worked brilliantly imo. His timing when jumping out to press and the use of his cover shadow to cut out any passing lane to De Bruyne was brilliant. I don’t blame Pep for subbing him off,’ another wrote.
Admittedly, De Bruyne did still have an influence on the game.
He took the corner that led to John Stones’ opening goal in the first half, a perfectly executed cross that looked as if it was straight off the training ground.
De Bruyne was infuriated by Guardiola’s decision to take him off but his manager later said he was ‘happy’ to see him respond that way
He still managed to score a 6.5 in Mail Sport’s player ratings – hardly an embarassment, especially in such a monumental game.
That said, he only completed 50 per cent of his passes in he final third, his worst-ever figure in a Premier League game has has started.
Meanwhile, Endo received a 7.5 and was widely applauded for his composure and solidity.
De Bruyne was furious for being taken off and that didn’t bother Guardiola.
The Spaniard said: ‘I’m happy to see that! I like it if he’s upset, it’s good. He’s happy now. I knew what we were missing, we missed keeping the ball. After (he went off) we did it better. But, listen, Kevin… what can I say for Kevin… we need him and he is important.’
