Two Manchester City stars have put themselves in a negative light, and both are receiving criticism ahead of City’s FA Cup match against Chelsea.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City should not start in the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea on Saturday, after they asked to be substituted in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.
This is the message from talkSPORT host Gabriel Agbonlahor.
The defending Champions League winners were eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday, losing the chance to reclaim the trophy.
This happened when they were knocked out by the Spanish capital club after a 4-4 draw in extra time and a penalty shootout that went in favor of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
However, it’s not City’s performance that’s on the agenda the day after. Instead, the focus is on the request from Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
“Last night must have taken so much out of the City players. They look shattered. We’re going to touch on that. Pep Guardiola said after the game that Haaland and De Bruyne had asked to be substituted,” Agbonlahor said.
“I’m speechless about it,” said Alan Brazil.
“They asked to be substituted. Because of exhaustion. I think it was because of exhaustion, but I don’t want to see them on Saturday in the FA Cup.”
“You ask to be taken out in the biggest game of the season, when the team needs you the most. Especially Haaland, who, in my view, was poor.”
“And Kevin De Bruyne. 111 minutes. Can’t you just finish the last few minutes? You are one of the best penalty takers,” said Agbonlahor.
Both Haaland and De Bruyne are crucial for the City team, and they could very well determine how many trophies they end up winning this season.
For now, the Manchester City players will focus on Saturday’s FA Cup semi final against Chelsea at Wembley.
