Manchester City

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Manchester City have announced that they will dedicate a mosaic and name a road after midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian announced earlier this season that this will be his last campaign with the club after having made his debut in 2015.

The club took to social media platform X , externalto confirm that a road at the City Football Academy will be named after the legendary midfielder and will be called the Kevin De Bruyne crescent.

A mosaic was also unveiled earlier today as a tribute to De Bruyne. This is installed near the training pitch at the City Football Academy. The image portrays one of the midfielder's iconic celebrations after a 6-3 win over Leicester City in 2021.

De Bruyne joins the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and others with a mosaic that is created by local Manchester artist and City fan Mark Kennedy.

Mike Minay
BBC Radio Manchester reporter

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I've been asked many times in the last week or so: "What's the one moment of Kevin De Bruyne's time at Manchester City that will stick with you?"

It is quick to think of the pass to Leroy Sane against Stoke, the assist for Oscar Bobb against Newcastle, an FA Cup final goal, a brilliant free-kick, or his goals against Real Madrid. But no.

For me, it is on the pitch in Istanbul after the 2023 Champions League final which saw Manchester City win the Treble. Pep Guardiola and De Bruyne embracing with the manager shouting in his midfielder's ear, in tears: 'We did it, Kev. We did it."

These two, brought to the club to help stimulate European success had achieved their dreams, and fans too.

Kevin had battled through the last two months of that season with his hamstring about to tear at any moment. Key goals, key passes as City surged to Premier League and FA Cup success.

There is no time when he is on the ball that you don't prepare yourself for something magic to happen. Even though this season hasn't gone to plan, you know it is still a possibility. What pass will he pick out next? If there has ever been one player you knew could change a game in an instant with just one pass, it is Kevin de Bruyne.

In the end, the hamstring gave up. In the Champions League final of all moments. But that didn't stop him then joining Pep on the touchline, as a temporary assistant manager, as they held on to the 1-0 win. He wanted to help that club over the line as much as anybody.

I have also been asked whether he is City's greatest ever. That's not fair on legends I've never seen: Colin Bell, Francis Lee, Mike Summerbee. It's also not fair to legends I have seen: Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Vincent Kompany. They all played different roles and different times. But, he is up there.

A decade of passionate, sparkling, critical performances embodied in a smiling, dry-humoured, family man.

Kevin, it's been an absolute delight to call the big moments you've been part of. Thank you, legend.

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Manchester City fan Rachel Herdson spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and suggests that boss Pep Guardiola might have to learn something from Liverpool's Arne Slot after their FA Cup final defeat.

"I'm pleased for Crystal Palace and I think every City fan there was pleased for Palace but it was all pretty predictable in terms of how we were going to set up and how we were going to be hurt and I fully expect Bournemouth to do the same tonight - putting 10 men behind the ball, low block, fast transitions and hitting us on the counter.

"There's a way to play against us that, ultimately, in a results business, people aren't bothered about whether it's pretty or not, but that's how they get the job done against City and the frustration, I think, is that Pep hasn't found a way to combat that.

"In an interview with Mohamed Salah on Monday night, Salah was suggesting that one of the reasons Slot has been so successful this season is his ability to change tactics mid-game to suit the opposition and it really did pour salt in the wound because that is one thing that Pep will not do. He won't deviate from his style of play and that's cost us a little bit this season.

"Obviously, there are lot of other issues in terms of injuries and quality of signings etc, but that's one thing that has hurt us."

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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After Kevin d Bruyne's exit was confirmed, Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz was identified as an ideal successor.

The Germany international was flown in for talks with Manchester City officials having spoken with Pep Guardiola according to some reports, only for it all to break down this week.

That is according to BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel, who revealed that City bosses have taken the decision to withdraw their interest amid the rising costs of a potential deal soaring towards 300m euros inclusive of transfer fees and wages.

Understandably, that has left many City supporters showing feelings of disappointment, fear, and anger when looking towards the future without their legendary Belgian creator or the ideal replacement for such a figure within the playing squad.

But can club officials still get things right in the market?

Of course they can. Perhaps there has been a change of thinking, a feeling that funds are required in more areas than they originally thought when committing a top-level investment to Wirtz, or has Pep Guardiola himself had a change of heart when it comes to the creative centre of his operation ahead of the new season.

They're all talking points that will likely be answered over the coming weeks as transfer plans continue to take shape.

But come the end of the market and before the new season, if City were to bring in further defensive reinforcements in the way of two new full-backs, as well as two versatile 'number eight' operators with the much-needed legs to fuel an energetic midfield so often missed this season, surely the future still looks bright?

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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A recent discussion asked 'Has Arsenal's season been a failure?' This was followed by a similar inquisition on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. They have no trophies between them, which is astonishing. But disastrous failures, really?

There was a narrowly lost FA Cup final for City while Arsenal look set to come home second in the league on top of an impressive Champions League run. This included the hammering of Real Madrid, while playing the campaign without a recognised striker - and with their top scorer Kai Havertz unavailable for the business end of the season.

I am sticking with disappointment rather than failure for both but maybe City have more to learn. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has changed his style and adapted by adding more physicality while City still seem to be playing very similar tactics to those they always have under Pep. Meanwhile the game is evolving.

I thought the FA Cup final was the perfect example. City demand control of the game and with 79% of possession, they had it. The downside is that demand for control stops players taking chances in the final third. That final pass is almost always the riskiest but the risk-reward equation means it is worth it.

City have gone too far the other way. If the pass isn't 99% on, they turn back. Pep and City were trailblazers, but even if you have the best players and the most money, if you keep doing the same thing you become predictable.

The biggest change by others this season is from an obsession with control and order to a willingness to create chaos, using players who can deliver the unexpected.

For all the beauty of City at their best, I can't say I am disappointed by the change. Have a look at how PSG's style of play for a glimpse at the future.

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Former Aston Villa team-mate Shay Given says "it is criminal" that Jack Grealish has not played a single minute in the last two FA Cup finals when Manchester City have been chasing the game.

Grealish has only started 16 times this season in all competitions, and has been on the pitch for 1,520 minutes - fewer than half the amount he played in the 2022-23 season when City won the Champions League.

"I have said it before, but I believe he is a generational talent because he is that good," Given told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "He is a player you want to build your team around, but that was back-to-back FA Cup finals where Manchester City have needed a goal and they have not used him.

"When you have got a multi-time winner and international player in the calibre of Jack Grealish, it is criminal that he did not get on the pitch for both cup finals.

"The writing is on the wall.

"I don't even know why Pep Guardiola brought him to London at the weekend, he may as well have said stay at home.

"I am still angry for Jack. You only have a love for football if you are on the pitch.

"When he plays, he's a mannequin on the wing and just told to keep the shape. Kevin de Bruyne is leaving this summer and I think they already have the perfect replacement for him - in Grealish - if they want someone to play in the pockets. But I don't think he will ever play for City again.

"This is where he is at, so for his career and himself, he has to see what is out there.

"He is an amazing talent with plenty of years left in him and someone can get that out from him."

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This is not a must-win game for Manchester City's top-five hopes but they could really do with a victory here.

Four points from their past two games against Bournemouth and Fulham will almost certainly see City finish in the Champions League places because of their goal difference, but their home form is much better than their results on the road and they certainly will not want to go to Craven Cottage on the final day needing a win.

Mind you, this game will not be straightforward for City either. Bournemouth have already beaten them once this season and ran them close in the FA Cup quarter-finals too, so we know they can cause them problems.

City's home form has been much more reliable of late, however, with four wins at Etihad Stadium in a row, and that is the main reason I am backing them here.

It is Kevin de Bruyne's final match at the Etihad, but City are going to have to play well to give him the send-off he deserves, and they need him to perform too.

De Bruyne has been a phenomenal player for City and it would be fitting if he can say farewell with a goal or one of his trademark assists.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Make your own prediction here, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manchester City's decision to withdraw from the race to land Florian Wirtz should also be viewed as a commitment to Phil Foden's role in Pep Guardiola's plans.

Foden has long been seen as the long-term heir to outgoing creator De Bruyne and the addition of Wirtz may have put the Englishman's place in Guardiola's plans in question.

But, as things stand, Wirtz is not expected to arrive.

City will remain in the market for a new creative midfielder - with Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White among the options.

Read the full story

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola said some of the injured players "are better" but no decision has been made yet on whether any could be available for the final two games. He added: "Rodri is getting better day-by-day. We will see."

• On losing the FA Cup final: "We played a really good final but not enough to win it. I haven't watched that game [back].I am focusing on Bournemouth. I don't have much time to watch - maybe tonight I will review and tomorrow show to the players."

• He says "everyone has to be aware" that City need "to get at least four points" to qualify for the Champions League and "if we are not there then we don't deserve it and will be in the Europa League".

• On whether he has thought about not qualifying: "I am thinking we are going to qualify. My thoughts and the way I think - I think that. We need four points. That is the main target. I am absolutely [confident of qualifying]."

• He "absolutely" sees Bournemouth as a success story of this season' and added: "Big impact at the end of last season and then this season. They are a really, really good team."

• On who would take a penalty should City be awarded one on Tuesday, after Omar Marmoush failed to score in the final: "I didn't talk with them. We train this afternoon. The taker is who scores the goal."

• In response to whether Kevin de Bruyne will start for his final game at the Etihad: "Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory. What he has done along with some incredible other legends in this club will not be possible in the 10 to 15 years since Sheik Mansour took over the club and run this club to reach another level."

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Bournemouth have had more shot-ending high turnovers than any other side in the Premier League this season (65). However, Manchester City have faced fewer shots from high turnovers than any other side in the competition this term (28).

City have scored 13 goals from outside the box in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. However, the Cherries have conceded just two goals from distance, fewer than anyone else.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Just three days on from the shock FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace, Manchester City have a quick turnaround hosting Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Boss Pep Guardiola has already complained about the timing of the game and his mood won't be improving as they go into the game under huge pressure.

Results over the weekend mean City have dropped to sixth in the table and a fascinating race has developed for the top five, with just one point separating five teams.

Has Guardiola had an opportunity to process the loss at Wembley? How vital is the game against the Cherries now? Is there any chance of Rodri being in contention to play?

We'll find out when the Spaniard faces the media later on.

Come back to this page later on Monday for all the key lines from Guardiola

Match of the Day 2 pundits have been having their say on the race for the Champions League.

Danny Murphy expects Newcastle to be "fine", adding: "At home to Everton, I would say so with those fans behind them.

"Manchester City have got it all in their own hands with that extra game. Bournemouth and Fulham - not easy games but I'd tip them as well.

"If you look around the dressing room and you look at the manager, they're just the best in their class. If they don't have the resilience and fortitude to get through those games then there is a real question mark. They should beat Bournemouth and Fulham nine out of 10 times when they need to."

"That Chelsea-Forest game next week is the pick of the bunch. That's going to be one hell of an atmosphere down there."

Martin Keown said: "I think Forest have been magnificent this year - a breath of fresh air to see how they've performed. It's looking tough for them right now. They just had a little blip at the wrong time but they can't have any regrets to the way they've played this season.

"I think Man City will have enough to get there and so will Aston Villa as well."

Which way will it go? Read more and hear from the managers

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We asked for you to tell us what needs doing at Manchester City to get the club back to winning ways next season.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Harvey: With the new system that Pep is playing, the team needs to rebuild with players who can play in it. A new full-back is desperately needed with them currently being given more licence to roam forward. Andrea Cambiaso, who can play on either side, would be a great addition. We also need to replace Kevin de Bruyne - and Florian Wirtz would be a great option.

Mu: It's quite obvious to say that we need fresh faces in the squad. There are many players that are either past it or just generally need a new challenge. Hunger isn't there as before. What actually needs addressing just as much is how we play and set up. To put it simply, it isn't effective anymore. We've been found out. Time will tell what Pep will do to make this team tick again.

Andrew: A lot of unnecessary noise about spending a lot of money - we have great academy output, supplemented by buying young players to develop with Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echevarri a case in point. A couple more under-21 players would be well worth it, plus buy back some ex academy with Trafford top of the list. Sell Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker for sure. Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones and Manuel Akanji can stay if they are robustly fit.

Adam: The heart of the midfield has no legs anymore, especially without Rodri. They're easy to bypass and more athletic teams run rings around us. They can't pressure in groups effectively, which was the core of City's off-the-ball tactics.

It's time to reflect on specific elements from Wembley.

Manchester City fans, the likes of Micah Richards are speaking about a "rebuild" being needed at the club. What's your take? What needs the most work?

Tell us

Crystal Palace fans, now that it's sinking in, can you tell us how you are feeling? And how does the club progress from here?

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Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards says "a rebuild" is needed if Pep Guardiola is to restore the club to its recent glories.

Defeat in Saturday's FA Cup final meant City will finish the campaign without a trophy.

It is the first time they have ended a season without major silverware since 2017.

"This season has been a massive disappointment for Manchester City," Richards explained.

"Pep Guardiola has talked about that throughout the season. The players have not met the levels they've set in recent years.

"For City, we are looking at a rebuild - it's obvious for everyone to see - although at times today they did really well.

"Man City have brought in the right players for the future, but because of where they have been in recent seasons, they needed ready-made players for right now."

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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This is the second year in a row Manchester City have lost the FA Cup final, after losing to Manchester United last season.

Pep Guardiola cut an irritated figure, appearing to exchange words with Dean Henderson after the final whistle.

City must now refocus quickly for Tuesday's Premier League game at home to Bournemouth, with work still to do to finish in the top five and qualify for next season's Champions League.

For a club so used to success, finishing without a trophy is bad enough. Failure to reach Europe's elite tournament would represent a catastrophe.