Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has discussed the club's plans to tackle how they will eventually replace star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian international has been a mainstay in the system of the reigning Premier League champions for over seven years, after joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2015.
De Bruyne is also now the club's current longest serving player, following the departures of Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling during the summer transfer window.
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However, with Kevin De Bruyne now approaching the final years of his career at the very top of the professional game, some are beginning to wonder just how long he has left.
Pep Guardiola was asked this very question during a recent interview, and while he could not speak on behalf of the 31 year-old, he believes his vice-captain is currently a level above last season.
"It is a question for him," Guardiola opened.
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“He has three years left (on his Manchester City contract), I think.
Pep Guardiola continued, "What I can say is he is miles ahead of last season in this period.
“Much, much better. I don't feel he will retire soon - that is my feeling.
"He likes it, he is enjoying it and playing at a high level."
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One subject area that Manchester City supporters will almost certainly not want to think too much about is just how the club will eventually replace Kevin De Bruyne.
The former Chelsea midfielder has cemented his place amongst the very best in the European game, and finding a suitable option to take over the reigns currently held by De Bruyne will be one of the hardest tasks undertaken by the Etihad hierarchy.
Pep Guardiola responded to the thought, "The team is the most important thing, but there are players who can do many things, it is not easy.
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“But Txiki (Begiristain, Sporting Director) and the scouting department have to work on that, monitor players and this kind of thing will happen.
The Manchester City manager continued, “In winter time, maybe six players want to leave – ‘I am not comfortable, I am not happy with Pep’.
“The Club has to be ready."
Manchester City embark on their Champions League journey this week - a competition that Kevin De Bruyne and the club are still yet to win.
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City travel to Spain to take on La Liga side Sevilla on matchday one of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday night.
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Freddie Pye