'We need a player who keeps the ball!' - Pep Guardiola defends early Kevin De Bruyne substitution after touchline spat with Man City midfielder in Liverpool draw

With City and Liverpool tied at 1-1 in the crucial Premier League clash at Anfield, De Bruyne was taken off with just over 20 minutes left to play. The attacking midfielder was visibly annoyed by the decision to swap him and was later seen discussing the matter with Guardiola while he sat on the bench. Guardiola has denied that there is an issue between the two and revealed he brought on Mateo Kovacic instead to boost his team's chances of keeping possession.

Asked about De Bruyne's frustration, Guardiola told Sky Sports: "That's good. Have a chance next game to prove it. We need a player who keeps the ball. Its not about pressing. Kovacic is really good at that. We were happy with Kevin. It's not a problem. We're fine."

De Bruyne was pivotal in City taking the lead in the heavyweight showdown at Anfield when he whipped a dangerous cross from a corner towards the front post, where John Stones was able to divert it past Caoimhin Kelleher after 23 minutes. Despite the visitors' strong first-half showing, they were second best after the break as Liverpool pulled level from a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister after goalkeeper Ederson brought down Darwin Nunez and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Sunday's result leaves City third in the Premier League table, a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal, who are top on goal difference. De Bruyne will likely be back in the starting XI when Guardiola's men take on Newcastle in the FA Cup next week, while Liverpool turn their attention to their Europa League clash against Sparta Prague on Thursday.