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The Belgian international acknowledges that Pep Guardiola’s men shot themselves in the foot too many times in 2019-20
Kevin De Bruyne admits that Manchester City made too many “mistakes” in the 2019-20 season and that the Blues were unable to sustain challenges for the Premier League and Champions League crowns.
Pep Guardiola’s team also saw the FA Cup tear them out of their hands, with a third consecutive Carabao Cup victory representing the height of their success.
The inconsistency, particularly at the rear, proved to be a problem for City during a test campaign.
They remained a formidable force when they performed in their prime, but they saw Liverpool, Arsenal and Lyon close the routes to major titles.
The current transfer window has been invested, with Guardiola looking to correct any alleged flaws, and many are leaning the Blues to bounce back in style.
De Bruyne will have a key role to play in that quest as he has just been named the PFA Player of the Year, and he admits there are obvious issues City must address.
The Belgian midfielder told the club official website: “A few years ago, Liverpool were behind so many points and then they came closer.
“It can change so fast and I don’t think you can base a season on points difference.
“Much of the time this year we played quite well, but we didn’t take advantage of their mistakes and we made too many mistakes and the other teams scored goals and points.
“That’s the difference. I don’t think that much has changed from the previous years, but if you make too many mistakes, you will lose too many points.”
Nathan Ake has been hired to help plug City’s defensive leaks, with the versatile Dutch international in a £ 40 million ($ 53 million) deal with Bournemouth.
De Bruyne is helping a new recruit get established, saying: “He was the main player at Bournemouth and he played all the time and built a good reputation. I think you can do it very well.
“I already approached him and he looked for houses for me. I can help you a bit. I think because we can speak the same language, it will be easier to establish a connection between us. “
Ferran Torres is the other fresh face at Etihad Stadium, having made a £ 21 million ($ 27 million) move from Valencia, and the 21-year-old winger is another that De Bruyne has high hopes for.
He said, “I haven’t seen it much.
“But to be honest, everyone who comes here has a good enough level to do well.”
