Kevin de Bruyne says Manchester City must win in Saturday’s Champions League final or be labelled failures, despite their strong season.
The Citizens take on Premier League rivals Chelsea in Porto in the decider of Europe’s elite competition. It is the first time they have reached the final, and offers them a chance to finally end their wait for the trophy they have been desperate to get their hands on.
Should they do so, it would complete a treble of trophies in 2020/21. Pep Guardiola’s men have already lifted the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
But Thomas Tuchel’s Blues- who have beaten them twice this term- stand in their way. The all-English contest is set to be a fascinating end to the club campaign.
City are considered favourites though, a factor that Guardiola has told his players they have to deal with.
Result defines Man City season
City have made no secret of the fact the Champions League is the one they really want. That is despite all of their successes in the last decade.
So after spending years endeavouring to get into this position, this is arguably the biggest game in City’s history.
And de Bruyne says the City players fully appreciate the importance of the match, and are also aware it is what their year will be remembered by – warning teammates that they will be seen as failures if they lose out.
“We’re all competitors and we all want to win. We as players understand the magnitude of the game tonight,” he said (via the Daily Star).
“If you win you’re a hero. And if you lose you’re almost a failure. Even if you’re not a failure because getting to this stage is incredibly well done by the team and an individual.
“But if you don’t win it, yeah, it will be something you don’t really want to experience. But it happens.”
However, the Belgian creator is backing his teammates to put on an entertaining show on the night.
“It’s been one of the goals of the club and one of the goals of the players to be able to be there in this game. To perform on the highest stage in the world is something of a privilege.
“I think everybody understands the pressure that it brings, but at least we can enjoy this game. We should take it with a smile and take it as something where you want to perform and show your best.”
READ MORE: An out-of-favour Manchester City man has hinted he could leave after enduring a ‘difficult’ season.
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