De Bruyne: City are "getting better & better"

“It’s when we have the ball at the back, we lose a few balls sometimes – that’s also the risk with the way we play. It’s not like they created the chance. We make two mistakes and then we get the goals against.

“A lot of people are saying that we’re weak defensively, but we have to also analyse the way we’re conceding. I don’t think we get a lot of chances against us, but it’s more dangerous when we do because the way we play is very offensive.”

De Bruyne also reflected on the intense tie against Monaco and believes that City are finally starting to make their mark in Europe.

“It was one of the crazy ones, definitely! I have had a few games like that already to be fair in Belgium and Germany. It was a nerve-racking with a lot of emotion. Luckily, we won the game but it’s not done yet.

“It’s going better and better every year. We’ve only been in the Champions League 4-5 years so obviously it’s something new. But the team is establishing themselves more and more in Europe, and also last year to reach the semi-final was already good, so hopefully we can go through against Monaco and see what we can do after that.

“Last year to reach the semi-final was already good so hopefully we can go through against Monaco and see what we can do after that.”

Much of the attacking play generated in their midweek performance was down to the creativity they possess in midfield where De Bruyne operates alongside David Silva to devastating effect.

“I think it’s going really good. In the beginning of the season we played there as well. Then we changed a little bit because I think the manager wanted to see what is possible in the way that the team could play and evolve but maybe it was not the right time for the team because everything is new for us.

“To play with David and Yaya the last few games, who with the ball are so strong, it definitely helps the team out.”

Guardiola has made no secret of highly he rates De Bruyne, placing him only behind Lionel Messi from the players he’s managed and his former Genk coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, recently dished out equally high praise when he likened midfielder legendary Dutch attacker Johan Cruyff.

“It’s a big compliment,” De Bruyne said. “Obviously I try to play the game in the way that I can help the team. I know I play a little bit more defensively now, more in the role as a team player, but I think I’m doing really well in that.

“People are looking a lot at statistics and all these things, but in the end I don’t really care. If we can win more games than last year where I score less I will be really happy. And maybe if we can win a few titles, that’s the bonus.”