EPL: Pep explains Kevin De Bruyne's substitution in feisty clash against Liverpool, fans react

dearPep Guardiola has now shed light on why he took off Kevin De Bruyne during Manchester City's visit to Liverpool on March 10.

The defending champions travelled to Anfield as Guardiola took on Jurgen Klopp for the last time in the Premier League. The Spanish tactician started with his iconic duo of Erling Haaland and De Bruyne up front.

It took the ingenuity of the Belgian for the Citizens to take the lead in the 23rd minute. The midfielder stepped up to take a corner kick, and as the whole Liverpool squad waited for him to hoist it up, he found John Stones on the near post, who turned it in.

The lead was cancelled in the 50th minute when a loose back pass from Nathan Ake forced Ederson into committing a foul on Darwin Nunez. Alexis Mac Allister made no mistake from the spot.

With the game evenly poised, Guardiola surprised many when he opted to take off De Bruyne in the 69th minute, introducing Mateo Kovacic in his place.

Guardiola explains why he withdrew De Bruyne

The City number 17 was far from pleased with the decision and gave his manager an earful as he walked past him. Replays show Guardiola going to De Bruyne's place on the bench to explain his decision.

Speaking after the match, the former Barcelona manager had no regrets about taking off his star player, insisting that the decision was necessary as City struggled to wrestle back control.

"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. After we had Mateo [Kovacic], we could make extra passes when he came on," he said, as captured on the Premier League's website.

The result now leaves Arsenal on top of the Premier League table with 64 points, the same as Liverpool. The Gunners are ahead due to a huge goal difference, with Manchester City just a point back.

Mikel Arteta's side travel to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the month.

See some reactions below:

_@SiiPHE91: They met Liverpool, a team that was not on the field to watch them complete 900 passes, or he was terrified of Endo's gumshield

_@Sent1215: lol I think he was taken off because of Arsenal, ARSENAL is winning man city how and away this season you first heard it here.

_@Bianojunior09: This is the player United fans were comparing bruno with ?????

_@JaffoCFC: KDB is coach btw ..

@kb_darling5: Kept thinking about it if it were to be another player he is going to be benched for life ????????????