Guardiola explains explosive 'shut up' row with De Bruyne

TV cameras spotted De Bruyne’s aggressive response to Guardiola after the coach berated him for losing possession of the ball against Real Madrid.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained his side of the story behind midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s fiery “shut up” response.

Bernardo Silva’s first-half brace, Manuel Akanji’s header, and Julian Alvarez’s late goal sealed City a famous 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

However, Guardiola had a moment of frustration on the touchline during the second half, where he called out De Bruyne for losing possession. Cameras captured the Belgian’s fiery retort, and Guardiola later admitted to being concerned about his squad “rushing a lot.”

“At 2-0 we rushed a lot,” the City boss told Movistar.

“Right after the break [Ilkay] Gundogan lost a ball, Kevin made three transitions that weren’t necessary and we rushed a lot when we had to do the opposite, sink them and turn them, sink them and turn them.

“But it’s normal. It gets close, you rush, and it has cost us more, although in general, we have had an extraordinary game.”

Following their 5-1 aggregate victory against Real Madrid, City have progressed to the Champions League final. Guardiola’s side will take on Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.

Guardiola: “Pass the ball, Pass the ball!”

Kevin De Bruyne: “Shut up! Shut Up!” 🤣👊 pic.twitter.com/2kejPutE0s

— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) May 18, 2023