With Kevin De Bruyne having been spotted angrily telling his manager Pep Guardiola to "shut up!" during Manchester City's clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the reason behind his behaviour has seemingly been revealed.
The English giants booked their spot in the UEFA Champions League final in emphatic fashion when they handed Real a 4-0 mauling at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week to advance 5-1 on aggregate ahead of the reigning champions.
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While the scoreline may suggest it was a perfect evening for the Citizens, the game produced a noteworthy moment between Guardiola and De Bruyne.
In the second half, the Spanish boss was seen frantically instructing the Belgium international to pass the ball, but after the playmaker lost possession, he responded in anger, screaming "Shut up! Shut up!" at his manager.
While this raised eyebrows when it initially occurred, the situation was seemingly quickly resolved as the pair shared a warm embrace in the 84th minute when the attacking midfielder was substituted off, with Guardiola later explaining that he was frustrated with the player losing the ball several times.
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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who was at the stadium as a pundit for CBS Sports, was seen sharing a moment with 31-year-old after the game and has since offered an explanation behind De Bruyne's apparent frustration on the pitch, suggesting that the player is going through something personal.
"It was [a touching moment]. I can't say it because I have to keep that private," Henry, who worked with De Bruyne when he was previously assistant coach of Belgium, said on the CBS broadcast.
"But from what he said to me, I even more respect how he played tonight and how he came and battled with his team.
"I can't share what he said because I can't share it. That's how it is.
"But once again I will go back to, for me, he is the most important player."
Papo de CRAQUES! ?????? O que será que Henry e De Bruyne conversavam no fim do jogo? ?? Nossa câmera exclusiva flagrou a dupla! #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/PcqHYGmZyl
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) May 17, 2023
City are believed to be aware of the former Chelsea star's personal situation and are understood to be keeping the matter under wraps so as not to affect the rest of their season – they are still in contention to win a treble.
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