Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho has insisted that he has no regrets about selling Manchester City target Kevin De Bruyne, who he claims did not have the mentality to fight for a place in a competitive Blues’ squad
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The 24-year-old Belgian international had an outstanding 2014-2015 season with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and has subsequently been consistently linked with Premier League side Manchester City this summer transfer window. Former boss Jos Mourinho, however, has questioned De Bruyne’s mentality to compete in a top team.
Mourinho calls into question De Bruyne’s mentality
The Chelsea FC manager claims he is happy for the Belgian international – whom he calls a ‘good kid’ – because the transfer from the Premier League champions to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg was one that suited all parties.
Speaking to the media in the Blues’ training base in Montreal, Mourinho is quoted by The Guardian as saying: “He told me it was not in his personality to be competing for a position in the team. He needed a team where he knows he can play every game. He needs to know that he is important.
a He did not want a team where he thinks am I playing or not? He needs that trust, he needs that quality. He needs that security. So I was not happy when he left.”
Jos Mourinho on Kevin De Bruynea s mentality amid Manchester City link http://t.co/t5AHHIA6kf (Photo: AFP/Getty) pic.twitter.com/sTd14mBMSO
a Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) July 23, 2015
Mourinho also claims the 24-year-old was not training at the level required of him and was not ready to push himself. a He was not training very well and he was saying: a I cana t give you more. This is just my way.a
a So yes, I accept that if this is his mentality and ita s his choice to go, it is better for Chelsea to make a good deal. Chelsea made a good deal and he was happy to go and I am happy because the kid is a good kid. And I am happy for him.”
The Portuguese’s comments come amidst strong rumours about a potential transfer to Manchester City, where the Belgian could come back and haunt his former club
De Bruyne will have to adjust in a top Manchester City squad
If Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City move is completed this summer as is being rumoured, the former Genk midfielder will have to get used to fighting for a place in a team that is packed with world class footballers, particularly in attacking positions.
The Belgian is used to being the primary playmaker for club and country and having the team’s attack flow through him. However, at Manchester City, the likes of David Silva and Sergio AgA?ero will remain the focal points of attack, with the Spaniard likely to continue being the team’s main playmaker.
Silva could potentially be shifted to the left of an attacking midfield three if De Bruyne were to arrive, but the Spaniard is used to drifting into free spaces in the attacking third and trying to create opportunities – something that is also De Bruyne’s main strength.
The former Chelsea FC man will have to adapt to the team’s ways and learn to co-exist as well as compete with players that are of a similar nature to him – particularly if Mourinho is being entirely truthful with his account of why De Bruyne left the club.
The Belgian international is, however, an extremely talented footballer and deserves the opportunity to prove his talents at an elite level with a club of the size of Manchester City. Whether or not a move materialises this summer is what remains to be seen.
