Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has called on his teammates to remain composed ahead of their Champions League playoff clash against Real Madrid.
The Belgian veteran emphasized the importance of respecting their opponents and avoiding unnecessary risks in the high-stakes two-legged tie. Softfootball reports that he drew on his decade of experience facing the Spanish giants.
De Bruyne acknowledged that matches against Madrid are often decided by small margins and require a disciplined approach.
He noted that the team’s recent FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient should serve as a reminder to treat every opponent with seriousness, regardless of the competition level or the prestige of the rival.
He explained his mindset by stating:
I have played against Madrid in basically every round from the second to the semi-final in the last 10 years. We know it’s a big game, the quality is there for both teams. It’s a two-legged tie so you don’t have to go crazy.
The playmaker stressed that focusing on their own performance and executing their job honestly is key to success. His leadership aims to ensure City approaches the fixture with the tactical discipline needed to overcome one of Europe’s most formidable clubs.
