Football
ESPN staff 7y

Kevin De Bruyne: Man City's history can't yet compare to United, Liverpool

Kevin De Bruyne says succeeding in the Champions League will allow Manchester City to enjoy the more of the global renown enjoyed by English rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.

While those clubs have eight European titles between them, City only reached the Champions League semifinals for the first time in their history last season.

And as City prepare to take on Monaco on Tuesday, De Bruyne said it was the kind of fixture that can launch the club into a new level of respect around the world.

"People talk about teams like Man United and Liverpool, with the history they have," De Bruyne said. "Obviously they are great teams and you cannot compare us to them because we didn't have the time that they've had already for doing what they did in the Champions League.

"They've been there for multiple years and we've only been there for five or six years. We need the same amount of time to compare to them in the Champions League.

"For me [history means] nothing, but for a lot of people in the world it means everything. That's why people are talking about Man City a little bit less than they do the other teams.

"Everybody in England will be very proud about the English teams achieving a lot in Europe, but we also want the chance to try that.

"If we do it for another 50 years and then we have a couple of Champions Leagues, people will maybe also look differently at us."

De Bryune also said that he's happy playing under new coach Pep Guardiola this season, even though his goal tally from a year ago has fallen from 16 to five in all competitions.

"To be fair I'm very happy," he said. "I think I'm playing a little bit more defensively than I was earlier in the season, but we also changed a lot of positions for me personally.

"I know people look at statistics, but I think I am playing better than last year. Maybe statistically I'm a little bit less, but as a player for the team I am doing better.

"It's not a problem at all. I never look at my stats. I can see very well how I am playing for the team. We are winning games without me scoring and, in the end, if we can have a title then I will be very happy."

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