Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reluctant to put pressure on James McAtee to succeed Kevin De Bruyne (Video)

Manchester City were two goals down within 20 minutes of their clash with Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday, when Kevin De Bruyne, set to leave the club at the end of the season, showed his quality by providing a goal and an assists to help the team overturn the contest, which City eventually won by 5-2.

Naturally, when a departing player proves his class once more, the question of someone stepping into his shoes when he’s gone is being asked. Some expect 22-year-old James McAtee to step up, but manager Pep Guardiola is reluctant to place the burden of such expectations on any of his players’ shoulders.

‘No one can do what Kevin has done!’🏆🤩

Pep Guardiola is full of praise for De Bruyne after the Man City captain scored, assisted and was named Man of the Match in their 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace👀💪 pic.twitter.com/qBNpvA5JGJ

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 12, 2025