Pep Guardiola desperate to recover De Bruyne's best version for next season

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is desperate to recover the best version of talented Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for next season, after a previous season marked by injuries.

Just three weeks before the start of the Premier League, 28-year-old Kevin De Bruyne wore the captain's armband for Manchester City in the Asia Trophy final, which the English champions lost on penalties to Wolverhampton on Saturday in Shanghai.

"He is a top player, we missed him a lot last season," said the Spanish coach referring to the knee and muscle problems that the Belgian player suffered during several moments of the season.

"Last season he didn't have holidays (because of the World Cup in Russia), but this time we have had more rest time," recalled Pep Guardiola.

"We hope to keep him healthy, he is a guy who loves to play football and is a huge competitor," he added.

Manchester City, who will aim to shine in the Champions League this season, will need the best of Kevin De Bruyne: "He is a player who never loses confidence, not even last year," highlighted Pep Guardiola.